The FIU men's soccer team had several scoring chances against No. 9 Tulsa, but couldn't capitalize as they lost 2-0 Wednesday night at University Park.
The Golden Hurricane wasted little time taking a lead as they scored in the 8th minute on a lob by Eric Defreitas.
FIU's first real scoring chance came in the 18th minute when Ricardo Ximenes made a run and dished off to Juan Guerra. The C-USA preseason Offensive Player of the Year took a low line-drive shot but his attempt sailed wide right.
In the 41st minute it was Guerra who made a dangerous run for the Golden Panthers. After he got dispossessed by a Tulsa defender, Steven Jair Cabas took control of the loose ball and fired a shot but it was blocked by a Golden Hurricane defender.
The score remained 1-0 going into the break.
FIU's hopes for an upset took a big hit in the 53rd minute when Tulsa doubled its lead with a perfect display of team-ball. Jeovahnni Sandez began the play by beating an FIU defender on the goal line. He then found Chris Taylor inside the box, who sent a low cross to Jose Prada who one-timed the ball for his fourth goal of the year.
The Golden Panthers nearly cut the lead in half in the 66th minute when Christian Dominguez beat a Tulsa defender and made a run down the right sideline. He then found Ricardo Ximenes who settled the pass and unleashed a hard shot towards goal. However the attempt was turned away on a great diving save by Tulsa keeper Tyrel Lacey.
Ximenes' attempt would be the last serious threat to the Golden Hurricane lead as Tulsa held on for the 2-0 victory. The loss puts FIU's record at 2-10-2 and 1-5 in the conference while the win lifts Tulsa's impressive record to 12-3-1 and a perfect 7-0 against C-USA opponents.
FIU returns to action this Saturday as they host the Blazers at 7 p.m. in a crucial C-USA matchup. The match could make or break FIU's C-USA Tournament hopes.
