MIAMI (Feb. 5, 2021) - The FIU men's soccer team is one of the top-ranked programs in the country to open the 2021 Spring campaign, as the Blue & Gold appeared at No. 25 in TopDrawerSoccer.com's (TDS) national poll for the week of Feb. 1-7.

For the full TDS rankings, click here.

The Panthers are set to face three programs this season that appeared in the TDS national poll, including reigning Conference USA champions Marshall (No. 9), the Kentucky Wildcats (No. 13), and Charlotte (No. 19). Slotting at No. 10 in the TDS poll is UCF, who FIU recently defeated in an exhibition match (2-0) on Jan. 23.

2021 SPRING PREVIEW
FIU is set to kick things off under first-year head coach Kyle Russell, with this season's roster featuring a deep and talented group of Panthers. FIU's 2020 recruiting class was ranked as high as No. 16 in the country by TDS last fall, after Coach Russell and his staff hauled in an exciting crop of 13 newcomers to bolster the squad.

Through the transfer route, FIU added exciting attacking players Rasmus Tobinski (Vermont; 2019 American East Rookie of the Year) and Mauro Bravo (Iona; 2019 All-MAAC First Team) to help bolster an already-potent Panther offense. In the defensive midfield, the Panthers gain the veteran leadership of former FGCU captain and graduate transfer Kareem Riley (2019 All-ASUN Second Team). Between the posts, the Panthers will fill the void left behind by 2020 MLS Draft Pick Daniel Gagliardi, with stud goalkeeper transfers Johan Peñaranda (Pitt.) and Grant Makela (SMU).

FIU will also feature a dynamic group of returning players, including the reigning C-USA Golden Boot Award winner and All-CUSA First Teamer Alessandro Campoy. The Panthers will rely on the veteran presence of seniors Adam Hassan (Team Captain), Matias Barraza, Jordi Avila, Owen Green, and Deco Costa to lead the way in 2021. FIU also brings back 2019 C-USA All-Freshman Team selections David Garcia and Anthony Cousins, Jr. to solidify the Panthers' backline.

LOOKING BACK
After enjoying a successful 2019 campaign in which FIU went undefeated through the first 14 games and climbed as high as No. 11 in the national rankings, the Panthers appear primed and ready for an even stronger run in 2021. FIU rocketed off to a hot start in 2019, winning nine of its first 12 games, with no losses and three ties along the way. During the run, the Panthers knocked off No. 17 ranked James Madison at home and toppled No. 16 Kentucky on the road in Lexington.

FIU touted one of the top-scoring offenses in the country throughout 2019 and closed the regular season top-10 in the nation in all major offensive categories. The Panthers posted a 4-2-1 record in C-USA play,  finishing third in the league standings closely behind top-ranked Marshall and Charlotte. FIU reached the C-USA tournament for a fifth consecutive season in 2019 and lasted all the way to the C-USA semifinals, before the Blue & Gold fell short to No. 17 Charlotte by a score of 1-0 in the contest.

The Blue & Gold finished the campaign with an admirable 10-3-5 overall record, yet despite the successful season, the Panthers narrowly missed the NCAA Tournament as the national selection committee opted against offering an at-large bid to FIU. With last season's ending still fresh in their memory, the Panthers are hungry for more and enter the 2021 Spring campaign carrying a great chip on their shoulder, as FIU looks to prove itself a top program within the NCAA Division I men's soccer landscape.

UP NEXT
With FIU's initial home opener against Jacksonville postponed, the Panthers' next contest is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 17, when they welcome the FGCU Eagles to FIU Soccer Stadium for a 7 p.m. ET start.

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).