AKRON, Ohio (Oct. 5, 2019) - The FIU men's soccer team settled for a draw on the road against a non-conference opponent on Saturday night, as the Panthers tied Akron by a score of 1-1 to remain unbeaten in 2019.

FIU now stands at 7-0-3 on the season, while Akron stands at 1-7-1.
 
The Panthers took time to get into their attacking mode on Saturday night as they trailed the Zips in the shot margin after the first 45 minutes of play. FIU managed to keep Akron off the board until just before the break when David Egbo scored on a penalty kick attempt. The Zips took a 1-0 lead into the locker room with the Panthers looking to rebound after intermission. Andrew Booth and Matias Barraza each contributed shot attempts in the first period.

FIU had more scoring opportunities in the second half as they fired seven shot attempts at the opposition. The Panthers saw their chances to equalize dwindling, until late in the 87th minute when Booth redirected an Owen Green header into the net, evening the score at 1-1. FIU continues to show an ability to capitalize on set pieces, as the scoring play was set up by a well-placed corner kick from Alban Rousselet.

For the third time this season the Panthers played overtime minutes, with a chance to earn their first golden goal victory of 2019 against Akron. The game-winning opportunity seemed to come in the first overtime period when a corner kick by Xavi Olmos Ferris led to a score by Booth, but the referees negated the goal due to an offsides ruling. The Panthers and Zips traded efforts the rest of the way, but the match eventually ended in a 1-1 stalemate after two overtime periods.

Booth scored his fourth goal of the season and now has 11 points in 2019 — good for second-best on FIU. Both Green and Rousselet were credited with assists on the Panthers' lone goal of the night, as the two Panthers bring their 2019 assist total to four and three, respectively. Daniel Gagliardi played admirably again in the box as the goalkeeper contributed five saves on the night.

UP NEXT
The Panthers continue a four-game road stretch on Tuesday, as they travel back to their home state for a battle against FGCU on Oct. 8. Kickoff against the Eagles is set for 7 p.m. ET.

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