MIAMI  – Expectations have been very simple for FIU men's soccer under Head Coach Kyle Russell; win three trophies. That expectation stays the same for the program heading into the 2024 season.
 
Heading into his fifth season at the helm, Russell has transformed the Men's Soccer program on 8^th Street into a soccer success, having had their third straight season of 10-wins including a NCAA tournament second round appearance in 2023. "We want three trophies, but obviously there's a process to getting there. So, we want to treat the games one game at a time," Russell mentioned.
 
"Not many teams say that, but we're not afraid to say and we work for it in our our training sessions. Our heart and our culture is strong.", Russell added.
 
Now in year five, FIU returns a major core with 12 returners headlined by forward Eduardo Mustre, who enters his second season donning the Blue & Gold. The rising senior had a sensational junior season leading the way with 11 goals, earning AAC All-Conference First Team and AAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Honors. "Lalo [Eduardo Mustre] has high standards for himself, which is awesome," Russell detailed. "He has big expectations, but there's not an expectation that our staff or the country can put on him that he doesn't have higher for himself, even now."
 
Alongside Mustre are key returners senior Bernardo Dos Santos Monteiro and, on the backline, Owen Travis, who led the team in minutes just a season ago. Both took home AAC Preseason All-Conference honors heading in 2024. Other key returners are Edgar Aguilar, a captain his past two seasons, and Joao Domingues, who continues to elevate his play. All are expected to step up as leaders on the pitch. "We're expecting them to play at the next level, but they're very good at compartmentalizing and focusing on the task at hand," Russell added. "So, you know, we're going to lean on a lot of those returners."
 
In addition, speedy forward Michael Appiah will take on a major role in 2024 and Danish defender Lucas Christensen is healthy and ready to get back on the pitch.
 
Yet, the word 'new' is featuring heavily in preseason with 13 newcomers that have been added to the roster via transfers and international recruits. One key addition for FIU is goalkeeper Nigel Van Haveren, a product of Nijmegen, Netherlands.

"He is an absolute machine in his routine," Russell said. Standing at 6'7, the sophomore has made an instant impact in training. "He can catch stuff in the air that most goalkeepers in the country struggle to punch." Alongside Van Haveren, returners in net are graduate student Thomas Wallis and junior Beltran Fernandez, who will all compete for playing time.
 
Other newcomer standouts that have come down to the 305 is defender Mathys Lefebvre, a transfer from Pittsburgh. "He is big time and very intelligent. A great team player to add to our group," Russell said.
 
On the attacking line, Israeli forward Ron Arie has shown tons of promise for a fast-paced Panther offense. "He's [Ron} been scoring some important goals in training and he's done a really good job," Russell added. In addition, NJIT transfer Enrique Mutsoli and Congo native Prince Ngeleka bring much more depth to FIU on the line.
 
In the midfield, Louisville transfer David Boccuzzo comes ready after joining the Panthers during the Spring, joining Barry transfer Juan Pablo Correa that has much experience in college soccer. Driss Nasser from France has shown high athletic ability into year one at FIU.
 
On the backline, Israeli David Houja and Mexican Leo Vilchis head to Miami and bring their leadership and play style.
 
"I'm actually really, really encouraged from everything we've seen thus far in training," Russell exclaimed.
 
With less than a week before the first match versus Seton Hall on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. from FIU Soccer Stadium, Russell believes his team is motivated to begin the new journey on a promising season. "Our culture isn't changing, but the personnel is what changes and so that's what we're looking to really get a good grasp on."

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