MIAMI (Feb. 17, 2021) - The FIU men's soccer team finally graced the pitch and delivered in its season opener with a thrilling win over FGCU, as the Panthers downed the Eagles by a score of 3-2 in front of its home crowd.
 
FIU earned its first win under first-year head coach Kyle Russell and now stands at 1-0 on the season, while FGCU fell for the first time in 2021 and sits at 0-1.

After FGCU scored in the 22nd minute, the Panthers came roaring back with two header goals in a two-minute span. Instantly after subbing into the match, both Rasmus Tobinski and Matias Barraza made an impact as they contributed on scoring plays in the 27th and 29th minute. Tobinski found the back of the net first thanks to a brilliant cross from Owen Green, and shortly after Barraza served up a beautiful corner-kick to defender David Garcia, who headed the ball past the Eagle goalkeeper to give FIU a 2-1 advantage heading into the break.

After the intermission, the Eagles rallied in the 59th minute with a header goal of their own to knot the score up at 2-2. The Panthers struggled to get into the flow of their offense in the second half after leading in shot attempts by a margin of 8-3 in the opening period, but the Panthers fought and the drought finally ended at the 75th minute when Alessandro Campoy came through in the clutch for FIU with a game-winner. Campoy positioned himself well in the box to receive a cross from Anthony Cousins, Jr., then shook an Eagle defender, and pinged the ball near the left post to seize the lead back for FIU.
 
FIU finished the match with a 13-9 advantage in the shot-margin column and was led by Mauro Bravo with three shot attempts. Campoy and Garcia recorded their first goals of the season, while Tobinski notched his first score as a Panther. Barraza, Cousins, Jr., and Owen Green all logged assists in the contest.
 
Grant Makela earned the win between the posts and recorded three saves in 45 minutes of play after the break.

The FIU backline of Cousins, Jr., Green, Garcia, and freshman Johannes Vedin all logged a full-90 minutes in the match. Former FGCU captain Kareem Riley logged a full-90 in the midfield for FIU, and earned the win against his former team.
 
UP NEXT
The Panthers are back in action this Sunday, Feb. 21, when they welcome UNF to FIU Soccer Stadium. First kick against the Ospreys is slated for Noon.

FAN ATTENDANCE
Due to physical distancing requirements, the total capacity at FIU Athletics events will be reduced this season. FIU's soccer games will be limited to 200 fans this spring due to the COVID-19 repopulation plan. For more information on tickets, including student ticketing, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit here.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow the Panthers on Twitter (@FIUMensSoccer) and become a fan on Facebook (Facebook.com/FIUMensSoccer) for all the latest Men's Soccer news. Follow all of FIU's athletic teams on Twitter (@FIUAthletics), Facebook (Facebook.com/FIUSports), YouTube (FIUPanthers), and Instagram (FIUathletics).