MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The FIU men's soccer team is set to face the No. 1 seed Memphis Tigers in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) semifinals on Thursday Nov. 14, in Memphis, Tenn.
Thursday, Nov. 14 at No. 1 Memphis (7-6-3)
The Panthers advanced to the semifinals after a 1-0 victory over No. 4 seed Florida Atlantic on Friday, Nov. 8, in Boca Raton. Senior
Eduardo Mustre delivered the game-winning goal in the 10th minute, securing FIU's place in the next round.
This marks FIU's fifth match in the AAC Championships, where they currently hold a 3-1 record. In 2022, the Panthers captured the conference title as the No. 1 seed, defeating Memphis and South Florida on their way to the championship.
A victory on Wednesday would advance FIU to the AAC Championship match, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 16, at 1 p.m. in Memphis. The Panthers would face either No. 2 seed South Florida or No. 3 seed Charlotte, marking their second championship appearance in three years.
Senior forward
Eduardo Mustre has been an essential part of FIU's offense, contributing three goals in his last four games since his return on Oct. 5. Mustre has consistently played full 90-minute matches, including strong performances against VCU (Oct. 16), Memphis (Nov. 1), and Florida Atlantic (Nov. 8).
He scored the opening goal in FIU's Nov. 1 match against Memphis, earning a spot on the AAC Weekly Honor Roll.
Joining Mustre is senior forward
Bernardo Dos Santos Monteiro, who is tied for the team lead with three goals and seven points. Dos Santos Monteiro leads the AAC in shot attempts (38) and has recorded 15 shots on target, logging 1,214 minutes this season with six complete 90-minute performances.
The Cascais, Portugal native earned First-Team All-Conference honors in 2024 following two seasons as a Second-Team selection. Over his four-year career at FIU, Dos Santos Monteiro has tallied 22 goals and seven assists in 72 matches.
On the defensive end, freshman
David Houja has made an immediate impact, earning AAC Co-Freshman of the Year honors. Houja leads the team in minutes played (1,350) and has started 15 games this season. He scored his first career goal in FIU's 3-1 win over Tulsa on Sept. 29 and was named to the AAC Weekly Honor Roll for his efforts. The Jerusalem, Israel native is the first FIU player since 2021 to earn Freshman of the Year honors.
Forward
Nicolas Villalobos has been a valuable asset this season, recording three goals and seven points over 1,045 minutes. Striker
Michael Appiah has also scored three goals, appearing in 16 matches with 865 minutes played.
Senior midfielder
Diego Castillo has contributed two goals, three assists, and seven points, while defender
Joackim Betina and midfielder Joao Domingues have each appeared in all 16 matches this season.
In goal, sophomore
Nigel Van Haveren recorded his third shutout of the season in FIU's recent win over Florida Atlantic, posting two saves. On the season, Van Haveren has 57 saves, placing him second in the AAC with an average of 4.07 saves per game, ranking 36th nationally.
HISTORY WITH THE TIGERS
FIU leads the all-time series against Memphis with a 6-5-1 record and remains unbeaten in their last four encounters. In the Nov. 1 regular season finale, FIU secured a 2-2 draw, with goals from Mustre and freshman
Prince Ngeleka.
FIU also claimed a comeback victory against Memphis on Sept. 23, 2023, with late goals from Mustre and Dos Santos Monteiro securing a 2-1 win on the road.
SCOUTING MEMPHIS
The No. 1 seed Memphis Tigers enter the AAC semifinals with a 7-6-3 overall record and a 4-1-2 mark in conference play, clinching their first conference title since 2004.
Memphis midfielder Lleyton Imparato leads the team with five goals and five assists, ranking third in the AAC with 15 points and earning AAC Midfielder of the Year honors. Defender Logan Longo and AAC Defender of the Year Jackson Kim have been stalwarts on the Memphis backline.
In goal, AAC Goalkeeper of the Year Filip Sabatti has posted a 1.14 GAA with 44 saves over 14 starts.
UP NEXT
With a win, FIU advances to the AAC Championship game on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. ET taking on the winner of No. 2 seed South Florida and No. 3 seed South Florida. It will be streamed live on ESPN+.
BAPTIST HEALTH
Presented by Baptist Health, The Official Sports Medicine Provider of FIU Athletics
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