MIAMI – The FIU men's soccer program scored three first half goals to take down the UAB Blazers at home in a 3-2 victory Saturday night.
 
The win improves FIU's record to 4-4-2 (2-1 AAC) and marks their second consecutive victory and third overall on home turf. The Panthers are now unbeaten in six of their last seven matches, a stretch that dates back to Sept. 2.
 
The Panthers' offense came alive late in the first half with three goals in a seven-minute span. Midfielder Nicolas Villalobos opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, heading in a well-placed cross from Leo Vilchis and finishing neatly off his left foot.
 
FIU doubled its lead in the 39th minute when Vilchis himself found the back of the net with a powerful header off a corner kick from Adrian Barosen, marking his first goal wearing the blue and gold. Just 20 seconds later, Villalobos completed his first career brace for FIU, latching onto a lofted ball from freshman Driss Nasser and scoring to make it 3-0 at the half.
 
The first-half outburst gave FIU its largest halftime lead of the season and included the first multi-goal effort of the year off the foot of Villalobos. The Panthers registered a season-high 13 shots in the opening 45 minutes.
 
In the second half, UAB fought back, scoring their first goal in the 51st minute and narrowing the deficit to one with another goal in the 87th minute. Despite the Blazers' late surge, FIU held on to secure the win.
 
FIU dominated the match with 18 total shots, 10 of which were on target. Michael Appiah led the charge with four shots, including two on goal, while senior Bernardo Dos Santos Monteiro contributed four shots in 79 minutes. Forward Eduardo Mustre made his return to action after being sidelined since Aug. 26, tallying two shots in 25 minutes off the bench.
 
In goal, Nigel Van Haveren continued his impressive season, making two crucial saves to bring his conference-leading total to 44 saves.
 
UP NEXT
FIU hits the road for a pair of matches, beginning for a pivotal conference clash against No. 9 Charlotte on Saturday, Oct. 12. Kickoff from North Carolina is set for 7 p.m. and can be streamed on ESPN+.

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