MIAMI (Oct. 1, 2019) - The FIU men's soccer team climbed to No. 13 in the latest United Soccer Coaches (USC) poll on Tuesday, as the Panthers continue to impress the nation with their undefeated start to the 2019 season.

FIU was voted No. 16 in last week's poll, moving up three spots following Tuesday's announcement. 

FIU has built an undefeated 7-0-2 record to start the season after defeating three Conference USA foes (FAU, ODU, UAB) and picking up nine points in the C-USA standings. FIU now sits in sole possession of first place in the league standings.

The Panthers didn't receive any votes in the USC preseason poll, but after an impressive opening weekend FIU earned 23 votes following a 2-0 start. The Blue & Gold routed St. Bonaventure by a whopping score of 5-1 in their opening match, before taking down No. 17 James Madison by a score of 3-1. James Madison is currently ranked No. 16 in this week's poll.

Since FIU's opening weekend, the Panthers have added victories over Seton Hall (2-1), Florida Atlantic (6-1), Old Dominion (5-0), Stetson (2-0), and UAB (2-0) to remain undefeated. After demolishing conference rival FAU on Saturday, Sept. 21, the Panthers made their first appearance in the national rankings at No. 22, in the USC's third poll.

As a team, FIU enters the sixth week of the season leading C-USA in several offensive categories, including points (86), goals (29), goals-per-game (3.22), assists (28), assists-per-game (3.11), shots (134), and corners (53). Additionally, FIU entered this week ranked second overall in the country in points, goals, and assists behind only Clemson.

The FIU defense has performed admirably as of late as well, posting three consecutive clean sheets in their most recent matchups against UAB, ODU, and Stetson. Goalkeeper Daniel Gagliardi ranks first overall in C-USA for save-percentage (.784), while also ranking second for saves (29), goals-against-average (0.85), and shutouts (3).

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