MIAMI (Aug. 31, 2023) – The No. 7 ranked FIU men's soccer team will host Central Arkansas at FIU Soccer Stadium Friday night as the Panthers look to continue their winning ways.
 
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. and it will be streamed live on ESPN+.
 
FIU is coming off a decisive, 4-0, victory over VCU.
 
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.
 
After a win over VCU earlier this week, the Panthers are now 20-5-1 at FIU Soccer Stadium under head coach Kyle Russell.
 
SOARING
FIU ended the 2022 season ranked as high as No. 10 in the country.
 
In 2023 the Panthers were ranked No. 21 in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll.
 
After starting the season 2-0 FIU has seen a dramatic 14 place jump in the USC Week 1 poll, and now sit at No. 7 in the nation.
 
RECOGNIZE
FIU's Eduardo Mustre has made an instant impact on the team.
 
The forward netted two goals in his Panthers debut, a, 2-1, road win over Oregon State, and followed that up with an assist in the, 4-0, win against VCU.
 
For his efforts, Mustre was named to the College Soccer News National Team of the Week.
 
SCOUTING CENTRAL ARKANSAS
The Bears come to Miami with a 0-2 record and are coming off a, 5-0, loss to AAC rival SMU.
 
Central Arkansas' top returning points scorer is graduate student midfielder Jerry Gutierrez who netted three goals and tallied one assists. He also led the team in minutes with 1,550.
 
Senior Zach Schawl is back as the Bears top keeper. He finished the 2022 season with 14 starts, 28 saves and two shutouts.
 
UP NEXT
The Panthers head to Orlando to take on No. 14 UCF on Tuesday September 5. 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.