MIAMI (Aug. 31, 2021) – The FIU men's soccer program is garnering national recognition after a hot start to the 2021 Fall season, as on Tuesday afternoon the Panthers were ranked No. 19 in CollegeSoccerNews.com's latest Top-30 National poll.
FIU graces the national rankings after claiming back-to-back shutout victories against No. 13 UCF (4-0) and FGCU (1-0) on the road.
"I'm excited for some recognition early on in the season," said Head Coach Kyle Russell. "The team earned this with good wins against two solid sides. We are a long way from reaching the finish line, but our guys are hungry and they're a really fun group to be around. Credit to the boys for coming in fit this year and being ready to listen, learn, and fight for one another."
FIU currently stands as the highest-ranked men's soccer program in the state of Florida, and is one of five Conference USA teams to be either ranked or receiving votes. The Panthers are also receiving votes in United Soccer Coaches' latest Top 25 poll, earning 32 points in the release.
FIU dominated UCF to start the season in Orlando with a four-goal onslaught and posted an impressive clean sheet against a Knights squad that entered the season ranked No. 13 nationally. The Panthers followed up the opening win with their second shutout victory in a four-day span, downing FGCU in Fort Myers with a golden goal strike in overtime.
Kyle Russell and his group will face no shortage of strong competition this season, with another five games remaining on the schedule against Top-25 opponents, and an additional two against teams that are receiving votes.
The next challenge on FIU's slate will come this Saturday, Sept. 4, when the Blue & Gold plays its home opener against No. 12 VCU at FIU Soccer Stadium.
First kick against the Rams is set for 7 p.m. ET.
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