MIAMI -The FIU men's soccer team is set to host an NCAA Men's Soccer Tournament first-round matchup on Thursday, Nov. 16, when the Panthers welcome in Mercer to FIU Soccer Stadium at 7 p.m. ET. 
 
Thursday, Nov. 16 vs. Mercer (NCAA Tournament First Round)

• Time / Site: 7 p.m. ET at FIU Soccer Stadium
• ESPN+ 
• Live Stats
• First 600 FIU students receive free admission, courtesy of Student Government Association

Thursday's contest marks the 13rd straight season FIU will appear in the tournament and it's third straight appearance entering the championship for the first time since 2004.
 
FIU finished the regular season with a 9-4-4 mark and a 5-1-2 record in the American Athletic Conference. Signature wins this season include a 2-1 victory in the season opener on the road against Oregon State, and a 2-0 shutout win at home to the eventual AAC tournament champion Charlotte.
 
FIU was second in the American in goals and scoring offense, netting a total of 32 goals through 16 games. The leading scoring offense is led by junior Eduardo Mustre, who leads the team in goals (11) and points (24) in his first season donning the Blue & Gold. The Córdoba, Mexico native was named to the All-Conference First Team after his standout campaign.
 
Forward Bernardo Dos Santos Monteiro has been impactful on the attacking line as the All-Conference Second Team Selection is second for the Panthers in goals (6), while logging a pair of assists in 17 matches. In addition, the junior has rattled off 33 shots on the pitch.
 
On the backline, Owen Travis has been a force, leading the team in minutes (1498) while starting in all 17 games this season. The junior, who was also selected to the All-Conference Second Team has helped lead FIU to hold their opponents to 18 goals, which is the least amount given up since 1991.

In net, three-time AAC goalkeeper of the week Tyler Hogan has started in 14 games with a 0.98 goals against average and totaled for 30 saves. In addition, his save percentage of .698 is third in the conference.

The Blue & Gold hosted an NCAA Tournament match last season on Nov. 20, 2022, when the Panthers defeated New Hampshire in a thrilling second-round matchup ending in a penalty shootout, before falling short in the Sweet 16 against Duke
 
It will be the first first-round matchup for the Panthers since Nov. 16, 2017, when they hosted Omaha in a 2-0 clean-sheet victory.
 

ALL-TIME SERIES
FIU and Mercer are meeting for the second-time in program history and only the first time in postseason play. The Bears only-ever trip to FIU Soccer Stadium resulted in a loss, with the Panthers winning by a score of 2-1 back on Sept. 10, 2006.

SCOUTING THE BEARS
Mercer enters the NCAA Tournament match with seven wins and coming off a Southern Conference tournament championship, winning 2-0 this past Sunday, Nov. 12 over Furman.

Mercer is led offensively by the Southern Conference Freshman of the Year forward Barzee Blama, logging 17 points on eight goals and one assist. Carlos Santamaria ranks second on the squad with 12 points and leads Mercer with four assists.

Between the pipes, goalkeeper Trevor McMullen has started in 19 games and posted a 0.81 goals-allowed-average with a .795 save percentage. Alphin has nabbed 58 saves and recorded six shutouts while allowing 15 goals.

UP NEXT
If the Panthers defeat Mercer, they will move on to the second-round matchup in Charlottesville to take on the Virgina Cavaliers on Sunday, Nov. 19 at 1 p.m. ET.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA 
Fans are encouraged to follow the Panthers on Instagram (@FIUMSoccer), Twitter (@FIUMensSoccer), and Facebook (Facebook.com/FIUMensSoccer) for all the latest Men's Soccer news. 
 
General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.