FIU Clinches Conference Tournament With 1–1 Draw

FIU men’s soccer (7-4-5, Conf. 2-3-3) faced Temple University in their final game of the regular season. The Panthers and Owls battled out a 1-1 draw, securing FIU’s spot in the American Conference Tournament for the sixth consecutive year.

Entering the match, FIU was tied with UAB for sixth place in the American Conference standings. The Panthers needed a win or draw to clinch a postseason berth.

The first half was quiet for both teams. The Panthers outshot the Owls 15-1. In the second, it was a similar trend, with FIU outshooting Temple 19–4. The Panthers recorded 34 shots, with 14 on goal, while Temple managed just five shots, with three on goal.

Both teams remained scoreless entering the second half. It wasn’t until the 80th minute that Temple freshman Akima Shota broke the deadlock, giving the Owls a late lead.

FIU trailed until the 83rd minute, when Mateo Stickler delivered a pass to Pasquale Capritti, who put the ball past the goalkeeper to even the match. The goal marked Capritti’s first goal of the season.

Goalkeeper Nigel Van Haveren recorded two saves in the match, bringing his season total to 44. Van Haveren finished sixth among American Conference goalkeepers in total saves.

What’s Next

With the draw, the Panthers have clinched the 6th seed in the American Conference Tournament, marking their sixth consecutive tournament appearance.

FIU last won the American Conference Tournament in 2022, defeating USF in the championship match. The Panthers have reached the championship game in each of the past two seasons but fell to Charlotte and FAU, respectively.

The Panthers now face Charlotte for the second time this season and the third consecutive year in the conference tournament. FIU drew with Charlotte earlier this season and defeated the 49ers on penalty kicks in last year’s semifinals.

FIU will face the 49ers on Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Erick Caldera

My name is Erick Caldera, and I’m a diehard Miami sports fan. I’m a sports writer currently at Florida International University, where I cover FIU athletics. With a passion for storytelling and sports, I focus on capturing the moments and voices behind the game

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