MIAMI (Aug. 27, 2023) – The No. 14 ranked FIU men's soccer team welcomes VCU to FIU Soccer Stadium on Monday in the first home match of the 2023 season.
 
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. and it will be streamed live on ESPN+.
 
FIU heads into the home opener coming off a hard fought, 2-1, road victory over (RV) Oregon State.
 
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
The Panthers were nearly unbeatable at home in 2022 going 9-2. They defeated two ranked teams at home last season in No. 10 Tulsa and No. 22 Memphis.
 
They outscored opponents 29-15 in home matches, registering five shutouts.
 
Under head coach Kyle Russel the Panthers are 19-5-1 at FIU Soccer Stadium.
 
STATEMENT MADE
Forward Eduardo Mustre made his FIU debut last week against Oregon State, putting on a historic performance.
 
Mustre netted both goals in the season opener to lift the Panthers to a 2-1 victory.
 
This marked the first time a FIU player has scored two or more goals in a season opener since 2012, when Quentin Albrecht scored a brace against Bryant.
 
INTERNATIONAL
FIU embraces its name with a truly international roster.
 
This season's Panthers have players from 15 different countries.
 
The USA leads the way with four players. Denmark, Mexico and France each have three representatives. Portugal, Japan and Germany have two representatives each.
 
SCOUTING VCU
The Rams are 0-0-1 to start the season after drawing No. 23 New Hampshire, 1-1, at home.

The two sides met last season with the Panthers picking up a 1-0 win in Richmond. Simon Afrifa netted the match winner in the 46th minute on an assists from Paulo ALves.
 
Junior forward Camilo Comi is VCU's top returning goal score after he netted five in 2022.
 
Redshirt junior John Ermini is back as the Rams top keeper. He finished the 2022 season with 16 starts and 48 saves.
 
UP NEXT
The Panthers stay in Miami to host Central Arkansas on Friday September 1. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and the match can be streamed on ESPN+.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow the Panthers on Instagram (@FIUMSoccer), Twitter (@FIUMensSoccer), and Facebook (Facebook.com/FIUMensSoccer) for all the latest Women's Soccer news.
 
General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.