MIAMI (Oct. 22, 2021) – The No. 14 ranked FIU men's soccer team took care of business in a Conference USA showdown at home on Friday night, as the Panthers defeated Old Dominion by a score of 3-2 on Alumni Night at FIU Soccer Stadium.

With the win, the Panthers improved to 10-1-2 on the season, including a perfect 6-0 at home to go along with a 5-0-1 mark in league play.

The Blue & Gold hosted several legendary FIU men's soccer alumni on the night, including former Major League Soccer standouts Bobby Boswell and Tyrone Marshall.

FIU exploded for a total of three goals in the opening period as the Panthers dominated through the first 45 minutes of play. Mauro Bravo got the nod in the Panther starting lineup and made an instant impact in the 15th minute with a scoring touch to finish an excellent pass from Stephen Afrifa.

The Panthers struck again in the 33rd minute, after Afrifa was dragged down in the box and FIU was awarded a penalty kick. Team captain Enzo Riley took the PK and capitalized with a score, bringing Riley to a perfect four-for-four on penalty kicks this season.

FIU wasted little time in extending its lead, as Julian Hodek connected with centerback Carlos Scheckermann for a header goal in the 35th minute. Talla Faye sparked the play with a drop pass back to Julian Hodek, who received the ball outside the box and then sent a cross back in for Scheckermann's finishing header.

FIU led the first half shot margin by a tally of 11-2, including eight on-goal to ODU's one.

After the break, the Monarchs battled back with a couple scores of their own, yet the Panthers held strong to secure its second home victory of the week and another three points in C-USA play.

Scheckermann scored his second goal in as many starts for FIU in a full 90 minutes of play, as the center back continues to display a knack for offensive production.

Bravo recorded his second goal of the season and led the match with two shots on goal, while Riley logged his fifth goal of the season. Hodek, Afrifa, and Faye were each credited with one assist.

Goalkeeper Tyler Hogan continued his unbeaten streak between the pipes, as the Panther improved his record to 6-0-0 on the season while grabbing three saves in the contest.

Matias Barraza logged a full 90 minutes in the contest for the first time this season.

UP NEXT
FIU pauses C-USA play for a huge road showdown next Tuesday, Oct. 26, against a Top-10 Power 5 challenger, when the Panthers make the trip to face No. 6 ranked Clemson. First kick against the Tigers is set for 7 p.m. ET from Riggs Field.

For more information on tickets, including student ticketing, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit here.

SOCIAL MEDIA
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