Box Score MIAMI (Aug. 25, 2022) – Despite a final frenzy from the Panthers in the final seven minutes, No. 18 ranked FIU fell in its first contest of the season on Thursday evening to a stout Akron squad by a score of 5-3 at FIU Soccer Stadium.

The Panthers out-shot Akron by a margin of 14-12 and placed six of those attempts on target, but two goals by FIU in the final six minutes of regulation was not enough to earn the victory against a tough Zips squad that is receiving votes in national polls.

After falling behind 2-0 in the opening period, the Panthers got on the board in the 38th minute off the foot of newcomer Fumiya Shiraishi. Paulo Alves, another Panther newcomer, fielded a throw-in from Julian Hodek in the attacking third and played a clever ball forward into the box for Shiraishi, who beat two defenders and finished the play with a low strike to the right post. FIU wound up conceding another goal before the half however and fell behind again by a two-goal margin, trailing 3-1 at halftime.

Following the intermission, the Panthers and Zips played 38 minutes of scoreless football until both sides erupted for a combined four goals in a 5 minute span. Paulo Alves began the avalanche of scoring with a goal in the 84th minute to cut FIU's deficit to 2-3. After a long throw-in from Hodek into the Zips' box, Simon Afrifa got a touch on the ball and laid it down perfectly for Alves, who finished the play with a low strike to the left post.

Akron countered with a score off a corner kick in the 85th minute however, and then the Panthers countered again less than 30 seconds later in the 86th minute. Shiraishi penetrated into the left side of the Zips' box and drove his defender all the way to the end line, before sending an excellent cross in for Stephen Afrifa. Afrifa received the ball near the left post and redirected it to the other side of the net past the Zips' keeper to put the Panthers within reach again, down 3-4.

With time dwindling and less than 2 minutes remaining, FIU emptied its net and stretched goalkeeper Tyler Hogan out into the playing field in search of an equalizing goal, but the tactic ultimately led to a breakaway goal by Akron.

Shiraishi and Alves each logged their first goals and assists as Panthers, while collecting three points apiece on the night. Stephen Afrifa logged his first goal of the year, while twin brother Simon Afrifa collected his first assist as a Panther.

David Garcia, Carlos Scheckermann, Edgar Aguilar, Matteo Gasperoni, and Hodek all logged a full 90-minutes in the match.

UP NEXT
The Panthers look to bounce back on the road this Monday, Aug. 29, against a tough St. John's squad on the road. First kick against the Red Storm is set for 7 p.m. ET from Belson Stadium in Queens, New York.

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