BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (Sept. 17, 2021) – The FIU men's soccer team fell in its first contest of the season on Friday evening to a tough Bowling Green State squad that has been receiving votes in national polls, as the Falcons defeated the Panthers by a score of 2-0.
 
FIU's record now stands at 4-1-1 on the year, while BGSU improves to 5-1-1.
 
Following a scoreless first half, the Panthers saw a chance in the 55th minute when Stephen Afrifa's shot attempt hit the crossbar. The Falcons got on the board in the 60th minute after scoring on a long throw-in, then tacked on another goal in the 75th minute when a Falcon player broke free on a run.
 
The Panthers saw nine shot attempts on the night but were unable to find the back of the net. Rasmus Tobinski, Mauro Bravo, and Afrifa each led the Panthers with two shots apiece.
 
David Garcia and Kareem Enzo Riley logged a full 90-minutes in the Panther backline yet again. Bernardo Dos Santos Monteiro also logged a full-90 for the first time this season.
 
Freshman defender Juan Pablo Leano made his first career start in a Panther uniform, while junior defender Carlos Scheckermann made his first appearance of the year for FIU.

UP NEXT
The Panthers have an opportunity to bounce back at home this Tuesday, Sept. 21, against Jacksonville. First kick against the Dolphins is set for 5 p.m. ET at FIU Soccer Stadium.

SOCIAL MEDIA
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