MIAMI – The FIU men's soccer program is set to hit the road for their final non-conference match of the season, facing off against the VCU Rams on Wednesday night in Richmond, Va.

Wednesday, Oct. 16 at VCU (4-5-3)

• Time / Site: 7 p.m. ET at Sports Backers Stadium
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• Presented by Baptist Health, The Official Sports Medicine Provider of FIU Athletics

FIU (4-4-3 (2-1-1 AAC) aims to return to the win column after a hard-fought draw in a conference clash against No. 22 Charlotte this past Saturday, Oct. 12. The Panthers earned a valuable point, snapping Charlotte's 11-game home winning streak—the longest active streak in the nation at the time.
 
The Panthers have been in strong form, going unbeaten in seven of their last eight matches since Sept. 2.
 
Goalkeeper Nigel Van Haveren made a significant impact in the Charlotte match, with three crucial saves to secure his second clean sheet of the season.
 
Van Haveren, a sophomore, has totaled 47 saves this season, earning his third AAC Goalkeeper of the Week honor this past Monday. He currently leads the AAC in saves and ranks 22nd nationally, averaging 4.40 saves per game with a goals-against average (GAA) of 1.27.
 
Wednesday's match will conclude FIU's non-conference schedule. The Panthers' previous non-conference result was a 1-1 draw at No. 16 SMU on Sept. 25. FIU has faced five ranked opponents in the top 25 this season, including a victory over No. 10 UCF and draws against No. 16 Georgetown and SMU.
 
Senior forward Bernardo Dos Santos Monteiro has led FIU's offensive charge, tying for the team lead with three goals and seven points. He also tops the AAC in shots (29) and shots on goal (12), playing a total of 868 minutes, including five full 90-minute games.
 
Nicolas Villalobos has been another consistent offensive contributor, with three goals and seven points across 867 minutes, having started all 11 matches this season. Meanwhile, striker Michael Appiah has made the most of his opportunities, scoring three goals in just 656 minutes of action over 11 appearances.
 
On the defensive side, David Houja has been a key figure, anchoring the backline with a team-leading 900 minutes played, completing all 90 minutes in 10 of the 11 matches.
 
Senior defender Edgar Aguilar played an integral role in Saturday's draw against Charlotte, logging 90 minutes and earning a spot on the AAC weekly honor roll. Aguilar has started 10 matches this season, totaling 850 minutes.
 
Senior Adrian Barosen has also contributed with two assists in 10 matches this season, while midfielder Joao Domingues has started every game, logging 702 minutes.
 
As a team, FIU ranks second in the AAC in scoring offense, averaging 1.4 goals per game, and is third in the conference with 15 goals overall.

HISTORY WITH VCU
Wednesday's match marks the fifth all-time meeting between FIU and VCU, with the Panthers having won all four previous encounters.
 
In their most recent matchup on Aug. 28, 2023, FIU secured a dominant 4-0 victory in their home opener, with Dos Santos Monteiro contributing a goal. In their last trip to Richmond on Sept. 22, 2022, FIU earned a 1-0 road win.
 
SCOUTING THE RAMS
VCU enters the contest with a 4-5-3 record, having lost their last three matches in Atlantic 10 play.
 
The Rams most recently fell to Loyola Chicago, 2-1, this past Saturday, Oct. 12.
 
Earlier this season, VCU was ranked as high as 13th in the nation, with notable wins over ranked opponents such as No. 15 Wake Forest and No. 15 Penn.
 
Offensively, VCU is led by Papa Toure, who has three goals in 12 matches, while midfielder Andres Rodriguez has added two goals and one assist.
 
Defensively, Moussa Ndiaye has been a standout, leading the Rams in minutes played (1,070) and contributing a goal.
 
Goalkeeper John Ermini has started all 12 matches, making 30 saves with a 1.25 GAA.
 
UP NEXT
FIU heads back home for an in-state conference clash against the Florida Atlantic Owls on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. from Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium. Kickoff 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.