Freshman Steven Jair Cabas (Miami, Fla.) scored two goals as the FIU men's soccer team picked up its first victory of the season, Wednesday night at University Park.
Even though they trailed on two separate occasions, the Golden Panthers (1-8-2; 1-2-0) battled back on the strength of two second half goals as FIU beat the Knights of UCF (4-7-1; 0-2-1) 3-2.
UCF struck first when Ryan Roushandel fired a low shot from outside the box that found its way past FIU keeper Kyle Thomas (Jensen Beach, Fla.) for Roushandel's sixth goal of the season and a 1-0 Knights lead.
The Golden Panthers nearly equalized in the 24th minute when Richard Martinez (Hialeah, Fla.) took a pass from Cabas and fired from 10 yards away, only to be turned away by UCF goalkeeper Sean Johnson.
Just before the end of the half, Steven Jair Cabas would equalize when, with 22 seconds remaining in the period, he scored his second goal of the season off a free kick from just outside the penalty area.
Ainsley Deer (Kingston, Jamaica) nearly gave FIU the lead in the 52nd minute when he got past the Knights' defense and fired a shot that would sail wide.
The Golden Panthers had yet another scoring chance when Edgard Correa (Sao Paolo, Brazil) set up a header for Christian Caporaletti (Miami, Fla.), but once again the shot would sail wide.
Even though FIU seemed to be in control of the match, Ryan Roushandel would strike again for the Knights, this time in the 68th minute, when an un-characteristic mistake by Kyle Thomas allowed Roushandel to score his seventh goal of the season.
The UCF lead would not hold up for long as in the 69th minute, Juan Guerra (Caracas, Venezuela) set up Caporaletti, who fired three consecutive shots. The first two shots were turned away by Sean Johnson, but on the third attempt Caporaletti would find the back of the net for his first score of the season; tying the score at two.
Caporaletti nearly netted his second goal of the match in the 72nd minute when he fired yet another header, this time off a pass from Diego Rodriguez (Miami, Fla.). However, Sean Johnson was there to record his fifth and final save of the match.
In the 85th minute, Caporaletti again threatened, but was stopped by the UCF defense, causing the sophomore to hit the ground. However, with Caporaletti on the ground fighting for the ball, Steven Jair Cabas managed to take control and fire a shot that would put FIU ahead for good, and give Cabas his second score of the match and third of the year.
The Golden Panthers next match comes on October 13 as they travel to Birmingham, Ala. to take on the Blazers of UAB.
Goals to Beat Cancer
In attendance Wednesday night was Goals to Beat Cancer, a local fundraising organization. GTBC aims to aid cancer patients and their families with the many expenses that come from the disease and treatment.
GTBC t-shirts were being sold at University Park, and anyone who purchased one will receive free admission to the FIU vs. UM women's soccer match on Wednesday, October 17. GTBC will be in attendance again on the 17th.
For more information, please visit http://www.goalstobeatcancer.com/
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