The FIU men's soccer team dropped its second straight match Friday night at the UConn/adidas Classic. The Golden Panthers (0-2-1) were on the wrong side of a 1-0 decision to the Bulls of the University of South Florida (3-0-0).

FIU let another strong defensive performance go by the wayside as once again they were kept off the scoreboard.

Junior goalkeeper Kyle Thomas (Jensen Beach, Fla.) delivered another strong performance for the Golden Panthers, recording six saves.

On defense, Cory Kendall (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) was instrumental in keeping FIU in the match, as his strong defensive pressure made things difficult for the USF attackers.

The lone goal of the match came on the 36^th minute when USF's Kevon Neaves unleashed a screamer from 30 yards away to put the Bulls ahead.

One goal would be all the Bulls needed to put away FIU, as the USF defense was able to keep the Golden Panthers at bay and in the process improved their record to 3-0-0.

FIU head coach Munga Eketebi gave a lot of credit to his defense, but also recognized that the team's fitness level isn't where it should be. “Unfortunately our lack of fitness this time of year is hurting us,” said the first-year head coach. “But we're getting there.”

Up next for FIU is a match against host-school UConn on Saturday night at 7 p.m.