MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The No. 5-seeded FIU men's soccer team is set to compete in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship match on Sunday afternoon, taking on the No. 3-seeded Charlotte 49ers in Memphis.

Sunday, Nov. 17 vs No. 3 Charlotte (10-2-5)

• Time / Site: 1 p.m. ET at Mike Rose Soccer Complex
• Presented by Baptist Health, The Official Sports Medicine Provider of FIU Athletics

With a victory, FIU (6-5-6) will claim its second AAC Championship title in three years and secure an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive season under head coach Kyle Russell.
 
FIU punched its ticket to the final with a commanding 3-1 semifinal win over No. 1 seed Memphis on Thursday, Nov. 14. Senior Eduardo Mustre powered the Panthers with his third career multi-goal performance, scoring twice in the second half, including the decisive penalty in the 72nd minute. Forward Michael Appiah added the insurance goal in the 80th minute to seal the victory.
 
The Panthers will make their second appearance in the AAC Championship match, having previously triumphed in 2022 against South Florida. Remarkably, FIU's No. 5 seed is tied for the lowest seed to ever advance to the title game.
 
Senior Eduardo Mustre has been a key figure during FIU's postseason run, tallying four goals in the last three matches, including a team-leading five goals for the season. Mustre's contributions have been pivotal, with goals in both AAC Championship matches thus far, including the game-winner against Florida Atlantic in the opening round.
 
Senior forward Bernardo Dos Santos Monteiro continues to be a force, tied for second in goals (3) and points (7). The Cascais, Portugal native earned First-Team All-AAC honors in 2024 after consecutive Second-Team selections in previous seasons. Over his impressive career, he has amassed 22 goals and seven assists across 73 matches.
 
On the defensive end, freshman standout David Houja has made a significant impact, earning AAC Co-Freshman of the Year honors. Houja leads the team in minutes played (1,440) and has started 16 matches. The Jerusalem, Israel native is the first FIU player to claim Freshman of the Year honors since 2021.
 
Additional contributors include senior midfielder Diego Castillo, who has logged two goals and three assists, and midfielder Joao Domingues, who leads the team in assists and ranks second in minutes played (1,289). Defender Joackim Betina has also been a steady presence, playing in all 17 matches this season.
 
In goal, sophomore Nigel Van Haveren has been a standout, recording five saves in the tournament, including a shutout against Florida Atlantic. He leads the AAC with an average of 4.00 saves per game, ranking 40th nationally.
 
HISTORY WITH THE NINERS
Sunday's match marks the 20th all-time meeting between FIU and Charlotte. The Panthers remain unbeaten in their last four encounters, dating back to 2021. Earlier this season, FIU battled to a draw against then-No. 22 Charlotte on the road (Oct. 12).
 
FIU also secured a 2-0 home victory over Charlotte last year, with Eduardo Mustre netting both goals.
 
SCOUTING THE 49ERS
No. 3 seed Charlotte enters the championship with a 10-2-5 record, following a semifinal victory over No. 2 seed South Florida. The 49ers are seeking their second consecutive AAC title, having defeated SMU in the 2023 final to earn an NCAA Tournament berth.
 
Charlotte's offense is led by senior Filip Jauk, who has scored five goals this season, including the game-winner in the semifinal. Defensively, senior Ian Pilcher, a First-Team All-Conference selection, anchors the backline alongside Lassee Laursen, who leads the team in minutes played (1,509).
 
In goal, Leonard Stritter has been a stalwart, earning Second-Team All-Conference honors with 11 shutouts and 39 saves this season.
 
UP NEXT
A win advances FIU to a berth in the NCAA Tournament. The Panthers await their fate in the bracket with the NCAA Selection Show set for 1 p.m. live on NCAA.org on Monday, Nov. 18.

BAPTIST HEALTH
Presented by Baptist Health, The Official Sports Medicine Provider of FIU Athletics
 
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