MIAMI, FL – FIU’s Men Soccer (3-3-2, Conf. 0-1-1) hosted a tightly contested conference match against Memphis University. With a late game push, the Panthers battled back and earned some footing in their conference standings. FIU now sits seventh in the American Conference standings
The first half was evenly matched, with both sides trading shots. The match remained scoreless until the final minutes of the half, when the Tigers struck twice in quick succession to put the Panthers in a 2–0-hole heading into halftime.
In the 41st minute, Ethan Cook struck first for the Tigers. Shortly after, Keanan Bader was awarded a penalty kick in the 44th minute and converted the opportunity to give Memphis a 2–0 advantage.
The Panthers pushed the pace in the second half and became more aggressive on the attack. Santi Possu led the comeback, scoring both of FIU’s goals.
50’ | SANTI CONNECTS ON THE PK ✅
Make that three straight games with a goal 🫡 pic.twitter.com/eFXH5NjF7z
— FIU Men's Soccer (@FIUMensSoccer) September 26, 2026
Possu’s first goal came from the penalty spot in the 50th minute, cutting the deficit to 2–1. He struck again late in the match, scoring off an assist from Martin Piedeleu in the 86th minute to even the score at 2–2 and secure the draw for the Panthers.
86’ | OH MY SANTI DOES IT AGAIN ON THE HEADER 😱
Memphis 2, FIU 2 pic.twitter.com/YLFYBOGvvJ
— FIU Men's Soccer (@FIUMensSoccer) September 26, 2026
Goalkeeper Nigel Van Haveren recorded two saves in the match to help FIU preserve the draw.
What’s Next
Following the match, the Panthers will embark on a two-game Florida road trip. FIU will first face FGCU at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Pickering Field. This marks the 18th meeting between the two programs, with FIU holding a 13–4 advantage in the all-time series.
The Panthers then travel to face conference opponent USF at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2. USF holds a 5–4–2 advantage in the all-time series. The programs last met a season ago, when the Panthers suffered a 2–1 loss at home. FIU will look to reverse that result and pick up its first conference win of the season.
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