CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina (Sept. 3, 2022) - FIU's No. 24 ranked men's soccer team collected its second straight victory over a Top 25 opponent on Saturday night, with an impressive victory over No. 13 UNC in Chapel Hill.

FIU's record improved to 2-1 on the year, while UNC fell to 2-1. The Blue & Gold also evened up the all-time series with the Tar Heels at 3-3.

"This was a complete team win that the boys dug deep to earn," said Head Coach Kyle Russell. "

The Panthers were propelled by a dazzling performance by Mac Hermann Trophy Watch List honoree Stephen Afrifa, who netted both of FIU's goals in the match.

"Stephen showed up in a big way tonight," said Coach Russell. "He can score on anyone in the country, and he proved that tonight."

In the 24th minute after the Tar Heels attempted to clear the ball out of their own box, David Garcia located the ball in the air at midfield and sent a great header forward into the attacking third for Yushi Nagao. Nagao raced down the right wing and forced in a cross for Afrifa, who finished the play with ease.

Kevin Harr collected three saves in the opening period to keep the Tar Heels off the board before halftime.

Following the break, Afrifa logged his second goal with an unbelievable strike that put the Panthers up 2-0 in the 62nd minute. Bernardo Dos Santos Monteiro launched a cross from the left side this time, catching Afrifa dead center inside the box all alone with his defender. Afrifa fielded the ball effortlessly with his back turned to the goal, spun around to his left and sent a missile to the top right corner as the goalkeeper stood frozen.

FIU wound up letting in a goal in the 70th minute and lost the clean sheet, but the Blue & Gold defense held strong the rest of the way to earn an inspiring victory against a top-15 opponent. 

With only two minutes left to play, UNC was able to penetrate deep into the Panthers' attacking third in search of an equalizer, but two big blocks by the Panther defenders and a clutch clear off a set piece helped FIU stave off the Tar Heels.

Nagao and Dos Santos Monteiro each collected their first assists of the year.

Garcia, who made several monumental defensive plays to help keep the Tar Heel attackers at bay, logged a full 90 minutes in the match. Edgar Aguilar and Matteo Gasperoni also played a full 90.

UP NEXT
The Panthers are welcomed back at FIU Soccer Stadium this Tuesday, Sept. 6, for an exciting matchup against in-state foe UNF. First kick against the Ospreys is set for 7 p.m. ET.

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