FIU Men’s Soccer (5-3-2, Conf. 1-1-1) took on in-state conference rival USF. After a tight battle, Santi Possu struck with a late goal as the Panthers beat the USF Bulls 1–0. FIU now sits fifth in the American Conference standings.
The victory over USF marked the first time the Panthers have won a match in Tampa since October 2017. FIU recorded 18 shots, with eight on goal, while the Bulls recorded only six shots, with two on goal. The 18 shots marked a season high for FIU.
Though most of the match remained scoreless, the lone goal came late in the 83rd minute. Possu delivered the game-winning goal off assists from Thomas Sellwood and Leonardo Consoloni, giving the Panthers the lead. The goal marked Possu’s eighth of the season and his sixth over the last five matches, leading all Panthers in goals.
83' | HE DOES IT AGAIN!!!!! SANTI SCORES FOR A FIFTH STRAIGHT GAME AND WE LEAD!
FIU 1, South Florida 0 pic.twitter.com/XJIGyeevlc
— FIU Men's Soccer (@FIUMensSoccer) October 3, 2026
Martin Piedeleu led the Panthers with four shots, including two on goal, while Possu attempted three shots. Consoloni and Sellwood each recorded their first assists of the season. The senior goalkeeper Nigel Van Haveren made two saves in the match and recorded his fourth clean sheet of the season.
What’s Next
FIU returns home following its two-game Florida road trip to host reigning ASUN champion North Florida. The match will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Leyva Family Field. FIU holds a 5–3–2 advantage in the all-time series against North Florida, with the Panthers winning their last meeting at home in 2022.
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