MIAMI (Oct. 5, 2021) - The FIU men's soccer team is now ranked No. 20 in the latest United Soccer Coaches' (USC) Top-25 poll released on Tuesday afternoon, marking the fifth straight week that the Blue & Gold has appeared in the national poll.

FIU stands as the highest-ranked program in the state of Florida, and one of three Conference USA schools to be ranked in the USC poll along with No. 5 Marshall and No. 8 Kentucky.

The Panthers owns a 7-1-1 record on the season, including a perfect 2-0 record in C-USA play, and an undefeated 4-0 record at home.

After appearing at No. 21 in last week's USC poll, FIU jumped up one spot following a dominating 4-0 defeat of a Charlotte team that was receiving votes in the USC poll. The Panthers handed Charlotte its first 4-0 loss since Sept. 5, 2005. FIU also held the 49ers to only five shot attempts last Saturday (Oct. 2) at FIU Soccer Stadium, marking Charlotte's lowest tally of this season.

FIU ranks top in the nation in multiple statistical categories, including No. 2 nationally in shots-per-game (18.33) and No. 10 in scoring offense (2.56 goals-per-game). On the defensive side, FIU is tied for No. 16 in the country in shutout percentage (.556). The Blue & Gold also ranks No. 15 nationally in win percentage (.833). 

The Blue & Gold began the season with marquee clean sheet victories against then-ranked No. 13 UCF (4-0) and No. 12 VCU (1-0). FIU is undefeated at home and has recorded four clean sheets in its eight games. The Panthers only loss came against No. 17 Bowling Green State. 

10 different Panthers have scored this season in what has been a truly balanced attack, with Bernardo Dos Santos Monteiro (5), Stephen Afrifa (5), David Garcia (3), Kareem Riley (3), and Talla Faye (2) leading the way. FIU has seen a defender score in seven of its nine contests this season, with Garcia, Riley, and Philip Hildebrandt (1) all contributing goals.

UP NEXT
The Panthers are set for another epic Conference USA showdown against a ranked opponent, when they travel to face No. 10 Kentucky next Sunday, Oct. 10. Kickoff against the Wildcats is set for 6 p.m. ET from Bell Soccer Complex.

SOCIAL MEDIA
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