MIAMI – The FIU men's soccer program prepares for a pivotal road conference clash Saturday night vs the No. 22 Charlotte 49ers from North Carolina for a 7 p.m. kick.

Saturday, Oct. 12 at No. 22 Charlotte (6-1-3 (2-1 AAC)

• Time / Site: 7 p.m. ET at Transamerica Field
• ESPN+
• Live Stats
• Presented by Baptist Health, The Official Sports Medicine Provider of FIU Athletics

FIU (4-4-2) heads into the contest on the back of a two-game winning streak, having recently defeated conference rivals Tulsa and UAB at home. The Panthers have scored six goals across their last two games to secure important conference victories. Nicolas Villalobos led the way in FIU's 3-2 win over UAB on Oct. 5, netting two first-half goals for his first multi-goal performance of the season.
 
With the victory over UAB, FIU is now tied for second place in the American Athletic Conference standings (2-1), alongside South Florida and Charlotte.
 
The Panthers have gone unbeaten in six of their last seven matches, a stretch that dates back to Sept. 2. During this run, FIU's offense has been prolific, scoring 14 goals—an average of two per game—making them the highest-scoring team in AAC play.
 
Senior Bernardo Dos Santos Monteiro has been at the forefront of FIU's offensive efforts, tied for the team lead in both goals (3) and points (7). He paces with 27 shots and 12 shots on goal (leads AAC) and has played 806 minutes this season, including five full 90-minute matches.
 
Midfielder Nicolas Villalobos has also been in strong form, contributing three goals and seven points across 777 minutes, starting all 10 matches this season. His performance in the victory over UAB earned him a spot on the AAC Weekly Honor Roll. Striker Michael Appiah has also been a key contributor, logging three goals in 74 minutes on the field against UAB.
 
On defense, David Houja has been an anchor on the backline, leading the team with 900 minutes played—completing all 90 minutes in each of FIU's 10 matches. Midfielder Joao Domingues has also started all 10 matches, clocking 775 minutes on the field.
 
Freshman Driss Nasser notched his first career assist on Saturday, setting up the game-winning goal against UAB, which also earned him a spot on the AAC Weekly Honor Roll. Defender Leo Vilchis registered his first goal and assist in the same match, collecting three points and making the AAC Weekly Honor Roll as well.
 
In goal, Nigel Van Haveren has been a constant presence, playing in all 10 matches. His 44 saves lead the AAC, and he ranks 22nd nationally in saves per game (4.40).
 
HISTORY WITH CHARLOTTE
Saturday's match will be the 19th meeting between FIU and Charlotte, with the Panthers winning three of the last four encounters dating back to 2021. FIU secured a 2-0 shutout victory over Charlotte at home on Oct. 27 last year, with Eduardo Mustre scoring both goals.
 
In their last matchup in Charlotte in 2022, FIU defeated the 49ers 3-2, scoring all three goals in the second half to seal the win.

WE'RE INTERNATIONAL, SO INTERNATIONAL!
FIU's roster embodies its international identity, featuring players from 11 different countries.
 
The USA leads with seven players, followed by Mexico with six, and France with four. Israel and Portugal are also represented, each with two players.
 
SCOUTING THE 49ERS
No. 22-ranked Charlotte enters the game with a 6-1-3 record, including a 2-1 mark in AAC play. The 49ers were unbeaten heading into last week but suffered their first loss of the season, falling 1-0 to Memphis on Oct. 5.
 
Charlotte, the reigning AAC tournament champions, is ranked as high as ninth nationally and won 13 matches last season, including a first-round victory in the NCAA Tournament. They are projected to finish first in the AAC in 2024.
 
Offensively, senior Filip Jauk leads the 49ers with four goals and eight points, tying him for the AAC lead in goals. Freshman Jaedon Richardson has also been effective, netting three goals in 10 matches.
 
Midfielder Ben Fisher has provided four assists this season, leading the team in that category, while Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Ian Pilcher has started nine of 10 matches, accumulating 755 minutes and scoring one goal.
 
In goal, Leonard Stritter has started every match for Charlotte, recording 20 saves and posting a 0.60 goals-against average, which leads the AAC and ranks third nationally. Stritter also has six shutouts to his name this season.
 
UP NEXT
FIU close out the road trip with it's final non-conference match of the season taking on the (RV) VCU Rams on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Kickoff from Richmond, Virginia is set for 7 p.m. and 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 Men's Soccer news
 

General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.