JACKSONVILLE, Florida (Sep. 6, 2019) - The FIU men's soccer team displayed an incredible comeback attempt against Jacksonville University on Friday night, as the Panthers earned a 3-3 draw against the Dolphins on the road.
FIU now stands at 2-0-1 on the season, while Jacksonville shifts to 1-0-1.
The Panthers fought extremely hard to equalize the score in the final moments of the match, as FIU was down 3-1 with five minutes remaining and went on to score two goals in an epic comeback.
After heading into halftime scoreless, Jacksonville quickly took a 2-0 lead coming out of the break. Mason Tunbridge got the Dolphins on the board after scoring on a penalty kick in the 47th minute, and Jesus Colombo knocked in another goal off a header in the 48th minute. Freshman Stephen Afrifa answered with his second goal of the season to trim the Panther deficit to one goal in the 65th minute, but a Dolphins' counter-attack in the 72nd minute extended Jacksonville's lead to 3-1.
FIU showed true resolve and never gave up despite being down late in the match, as freshman David Garcia notched his first career goal as a Panther in the 86th minute, giving FIU a breathe of hope. The Panthers remained relentless and continued to test the Dolphins' defense with merely seconds remaining, and in the 90th minute Talla Faye found the back of the net to equalize the score, leading to celebration and rejoice on the pitch by FIU.
The comeback attempt fell short however, as a final shot attempt by the Panthers went just wide of the goalpost after an offensive breakaway with time expiring in double OT. Multiple players from both teams laid collapsed and exhausted on the pitch for a long moment after the final whistle had blown, due to an intense rollercoaster of a match in which both teams gave everything they had. While the Panthers missed out on a victory, they can hang their head high after an admirable and unlikely comeback effort that avoided a loss for FIU.
The Panthers continue to show a great ability to capitalize on set pieces, as they scored twice on such opportunities. Senior transfer Alban Rousselet demonstrated his slick passing abilities for FIU yet again as he notched two assists in the match, bringing his total to a team-leading four on the 2019 season. Senior Andrew Booth also logged an assist, as he continues to lead the Panthers with six points total. Senior Nick O' Callaghan contributed his first assist of 2019 in the match.
UP NEXT
The Panthers will immediately return home as they look to earn their third victory of the year against Seton Hall on Sunday at FIU Soccer Stadium. Kickoff for the match is set for 7 p.m. ET.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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