FIU Soccer Ties Kentucky in a Shootout | April 3rd 2021

Miami, FL – After last week’s matchup against Charlotte was postponed, FIU men’s soccer was back in action Saturday night against the Kentucky Wildcats. In recent history, the Panthers have gotten the best of the Wildcats, beating them in their last two matchups. Tonight, the Panthers drew against the Kentucky Wildcats in a 1-1 shootout.

Game Breakdown

At the beginning of the first half, the Panthers looked rusty, but as the first half went on they continued to pick it up. Early on, the wind was a major factor in the game, as both teams struggled to make long passes. Straight out the gate, Kentucky controlled the momentum of the game, applying pressure to FIU’s back four.  In the 29^th minute, FIU made their first substitution, bringing in sophomore Jeremiah Edouard for Stephen Afrifa. This substitution is what the Panthers needed to take back control of the first half. The Panthers turned a corner when junior Mauro Bravo assisted Matias Barraza for this first goal of the season. Despite having fewer shots, FIU finished the first half with a one-goal lead in the first half.

HALF | Panthers have 1 shot in the first half, but it was a big one! 👏 #PawsUp 🐾 | #PantherPride pic.twitter.com/ICEnA0yL5B

— FIU Men's Soccer (@FIUMensSoccer) April 3, 2021

In the second half, the wind continued to play a massive factor in the game. Both teams had trouble keeping possession for substantial periods of time. With that being said, the Wildcats came out of the break with a vengeance. Kentucky scored in the 49^th minute with a beautiful strike from Marcel Meinzer. Kentucky kept applying pressure to the Panther goalkeeper, taking 13 shots with nine of the shots being on target in the second half alone. The MVP of the second half was Panther goalkeeper Johan Penaranda who saved eight shots in the second half. At the end of regulation, the score was tied 1-1.

Lastly, the two overtime periods were full of excitement. Both teams had prime chances on goal. Despite their chances, neither teams’ shots found the back of the net. The Panthers drew Kentucky in a shootout with the final score being 1-1.

FINAL/OT | Kentucky misses as time expires and the Panthers survive and earn the draw! #PawsUp 🐾 | #PantherPride pic.twitter.com/fbDIjibATs

— FIU Men's Soccer (@FIUMensSoccer) April 4, 2021

What’s next

Next week, April 1oth, FIU will face off against the South Carolina Gamecocks at home.

📸 Credit: Mikey Berlfein