COLUMBUS, Ohio (Sept. 2, 2011) - Despite an early goal by senior Jahbari Willis, the FIU men's soccer team dropped a 3-1 decision to the Ohio State Buckeyes on Friday night at the Wolstein Classic from the campus of Ohio State University. The Panthers fall to 1-1-1 while the Buckeyes improved to the same record.

After the teams played even to open the match, FIU got on the board first in the 24th minute when Willis buried an unassisted shot near the upper-left post to give the Panthers the early advantage.

The lead stood for 11 minutes until OSU's Sebastian Rivas notched the equalizer with a header off a cross from Ben Killian. The Buckeyes netted the game-winner in the 41st minute off the foot of Parnell Hegngi.

Ohio State added one more goal in the 81st minute when David Tiemstra scored off a pass from Austin McAnena.

FIU certainly kept the pressure on the second half, getting off 11 shots and forcing seven corner kicks. Ohio State narrowly won the shots battle though, 16-13.

The Panthers will return to the pitch on Sunday, Sept. 4 to take on Penn State in the final game of the road trip at noon. Fans can follow the action at www.OhioStateBuckeyes.com.

About FIU Athletics: FIU Athletics is home to more than 400 student-athletes in 17 different sports, and is a proud member of the Sun Belt Conference and an affiliate member of Conference USA (men's soccer). Athletic events are played in seven different venues on FIU's campuses (Modesto A. Maidique and Biscayne Bay), including U.S. Century Bank Arena and Alfonso Field at FIU Stadium.