MIAMI (November 29, 2017) – The FIU men's soccer coaching staff guided the Panthers to one of the most memorable seasons in the program's storied history during the 2017 campaign, and, on Tuesday they were recognized for their accomplishments as first-year Head Coach Kevin Nylen, along with assistant coaches Ben Mallue, Jean Camere and Patrick Lopez, were named the Southeast Region Division I Staff of the Year by the United Soccer Coaches.
 
Click here to see the complete release from the United Soccer Coaches.
 
"I'm proud of our staff and of the work this season," said Nylen. "Ben, Jean and Pat have been fantastic all season. Our players and myself are very fortunate to be able to work with them every day."
 
This season the Panthers posted a 12-2-4 record and a 6-0-2 mark in Conference USA, earning their first-ever C-USA regular season title. The Blue and Gold finished the regular season with an 11-0-4 record, the first time in school history that the Panthers recorded an undefeated regular season. FIU was also one of only two teams in Division I men's soccer to accomplish the feat, joining only Indiana.
 
The Panthers advanced to its 19^th NCAA Championship, and their 11^th at Division I, winning their first-round game against Omaha, 2-0, on Nov. 16. 
 
Each of the 24 coaching staffs receiving Regional Staff of the Year recognition will be honored at the College Coaches Awards Reception on January 18, 2018 at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Independence Ballroom in conjunction with the 71st annual United Soccer Coaches Convention.
 
In addition, the Regional Staff of the Year recipients will be placed on the United Soccer Coaches ballot for National Staff of the Year consideration within their respective NCAA division. The ballot will also include the addition of coaching staffs from any schools which advance to the semifinals of their NCAA Championship.
 
Voting for National Staff of the Year will begin on December 5 and end on December 12. United Soccer Coaches will announce the Men's and Women's National Staff of the Year for all NCAA divisions on December 19.
 
Fans are encouraged to follow the Panthers on Twitter (@FIUMensSoccer) and become a fan on Facebook (Facebook.com/FIUMensSoccer) for all the latest Men's Soccer news.
 
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