MIAMI (Sept. 24, 2019) - In a revenge match of sorts at FIU Soccer Stadium on Tuesday night, the No. 16 ranked FIU men's soccer program posted a 2-0 shutout victory against a non-conference foe in front of their home crowd, as the Panthers hosted the Stetson Hatters in Miami for their second meeting in two consecutive seasons.
The Panthers remain undefeated in 2019 and improve their record to 6-0-2 as the campaign nears its midway point, while the Stetson Hatters tumble to 5-4 on the season.
FIU saw the Hatters last year during their home opener on Aug. 28, 2018, in a match where Stetson knocked off the Panthers by a score of 3-2. The Panthers knew they were in for no easy feat and that they would have to play a consistent and disciplined game for a full 90 minutes in order to beat a good side in the Hatters.
"Happy for the group. Second consecutive clean sheet which is really important, and last home game before we leave for UAB," said Head Coach Kevin Nylen. "You always want to be better, and we're continuing to get better game by game and improving, so that's good to see."
Stetson was able to keep the Panther offense at check during the opening period, as FIU logged only two shots before the break and was unable to score in the first 45 minutes. Although the Panthers seemed to control possession in the first half and penetrated into the final third on several occasions against the Hatters, FIU was unable to create the extra necessary pass for the golden opportunity at its first goal until later in the second period. Both defenses played effectively to keep the score at null-null before the intermission, as the Hatter attack was able to produce only three shots and zero on-goal before halftime.
FIU stayed patient and focused through the second period, and in the 73rd minute their forbearance paid off as Talla Faye scored his second goal of the season and gave the Panthers a 1-0 lead over the Hatters. Ronaldo Marshall did well to win possession of the ball in a crowded box about eight yards out from the Stetson goal-line and was able to hook up Faye for the goal, as the freshman logged his second assist of 2019. With Stetson pushing hard to equalize and even penetrating into the FIU box on a couple occasions near the end, the Panthers remained resilient and logged a game-clenching goal in the 89th minute, as Andrew Booth fired on-target into the Stetson net to put the match on ice and ensure a 2-0 victory for FIU.
The FIU defense was spectacular in the last 45 minutes, as they allowed zero shots from Stetson in the second period. The Panthers utilized a collective effort from all 15 men that stepped onto the pitch in order to post their second clean sheet, against a Hatter bunch that entered the match leading the ASUN conference with 125 shots. FIU controlled possession heavily near the end, and fired away eight shots in the second half including four on-goal.
Booth claimed his third goal of the season and now brings his 2019 point-total to nine, which ranks third on the team. Marshall's four points now stand as second-most among FIU freshmen this season. A total of seven Panthers logged a full 90 minutes in the match, which stands as the most for any FIU game in 2019.
While the Panthers are red-hot and earning national recognition with a top-20 ranking as of late, the mindset continues to be "one game at a time" for FIU.
"Staying humble and hungry," said Nylen. "That's the M.O, and keep getting better every day as a group"
UP NEXT
The Panthers begin a stretch of four games on the road this weekend, when they travel to Birmingham, Alabama on Saturday, Sep. 28 to face UAB for a C-USA road matchup. Kickoff against the Blazers is set for 8 p.m. ET.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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