FIU Men’s Soccer just closed out their two-match homestand with their first-ever matchup against the Missouri State Bears. The Panthers debuted their highly anticipated VICE uniforms on a night where they got their third-straight shutout by the score of 1-0.
Persistent Play for First 70 Minutes
The game started with yet another weather delay, a common occurrence so far this season. What was supposed to be a 6:00 PM start time resulted in the match beginning at 8:35.
Both teams had promising moments in the 1st half, but Missouri State looked sharper. They closed out the first 45 minutes with six shots as opposed to just two for the Panthers.
FIU really started to play consistent soccer in the 2nd half of the match. The Bears started committing several fouls, which led FIU to just keep calm and play in rhythm. FIU was passing the ball more often and began playing with more fury.
The Italian Sensation Strikes
It was up to either team to strike first, but time was on FIU’s side as Pasquale Capriati entered the scoresheet. The forward went after a rebounded kick, resulting in the ball getting past the goalie for a golazo.
Pasquale Capriati gets @FIUMensSoccer on the scoresheet at the 72nd minute and it’s 1-nil for the #Panthers | #FIU | #PawsUp @PawsUpPodcast pic.twitter.com/HnhNvn8Od5
— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) September 22, 2025
Capriati now leads the team in scoring with four goals.
Key Netminding Saves
The Panthers would not have won this contest if it weren’t for three key saves by Nigel Van Haveren.
His first save came in the 56th minute, when Fumiya Shiraishi was given an excellent pass, only to get denied by Van Haveren.
The next one was even more impressive because Missouri State was coming on the attack. Daniel Verdirosi could’ve elected to keep the ball for himself and make the shot or pass it to one of three surrounding teammates. Verdirosi went with plan A but was robbed by the goalie.
NIGEL WITH ICE IN HIS VEINS 🧊
A big-time save in the closing seconds to secure his third straight clean sheet! pic.twitter.com/4dBeT2ihk9
— FIU Men's Soccer (@FIUMensSoccer) September 22, 2025
The most crucial save for Nigel Van Haveren came with just seconds ticking on the clock. Missouri State had one last opportunity to score when they did a corner kick. The 6’6 netminder was able to defend the ball and earn himself another clean sheet.
If a Player of the Game Award was handed out in this game, then it surely would’ve belonged to Van Haveren.
What’s Up Next
FIU is rolling with three consecutive shutout victories for the first time since 2022, when they were American Conference Regular Season and Tournament Champions.
3 straight wins for your #FIU #Panthers @PawsUpPodcast #PawsUp pic.twitter.com/Xkm1TwIRsR
— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) September 22, 2025
The Panthers will now travel to Boca Raton, where they face the Florida Atlantic Owls this Friday at 7:00 PM. It will be streamed on ESPN+.
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