WASHINGTON, D.C. – The FIU men's soccer team concludes their three-game road trip on Monday with a Labor Day matchup against the #16 Georgetown Hoyas in the nation's capital.
Monday, Sept. 2 at #16 Georgetown
- Time / Site: 1 p.m. ET at Shaw Field
- FloFC
- Live Stats
- Presented by Baptist Health, The Official Sports Medicine Provider of FIU Athletics
FIU is determined to secure their first victory of the 2024 season after dropping their first three matches. In their most recent outing on Thursday, Aug. 29, the Panthers faced off against #17 North Carolina, where they fell 3-1 to the Tar Heels.
The Panthers took an early lead in the 23rd minute with a goal from forward Michael Appiah and maintained a 1-0 advantage until the 75th minute. However, North Carolina rallied with three unanswered goals to clinch the win on home turf.
Appiah and junior transfer Enrique Mutsoli each recorded two shots during the match at Chapel Hill, N.C.
Sophomore goalkeeper Nigel Van Haveren delivered a season-high nine saves against #17 North Carolina. Van Haveren has accumulated 20 saves over three games, leading the American Athletic Conference with a 1.67 goals-against average.
On the defensive front, David Houja and Mathys Lefebvre have been pillars of consistency, playing every minute of the first three games to anchor the backline.
Monday's game will mark only the second-ever meeting between FIU and Georgetown. The Panthers emerged victorious in their previous encounter on Sept. 8, 1996, with a thrilling 5-4 win in Miami. That season, FIU went on to finish as the NCAA tournament runner-up.
WE'RE INTERNATIONAL, SO INTERNATIONAL!
FIU's roster embodies its international identity, featuring players from 11 different countries.
The USA leads with seven players, followed by Mexico with six, and France with four. Israel and Portugal are also represented, each with two players.
NEW FACES ON THE PITCH
FIU's 2024 squad features 13 newcomers, injecting fresh talent and energy into the team.
Sophomore goalkeeper Nigel Van Haveren is expected to be a key figure for the Panthers in goal. Pittsburgh transfer Mathys Lefebvre brings a wealth of experience to the midfield, while Israeli David Houja has quickly established himself as a crucial part of the backline. Both players have played the full 90 minutes in each of the first three games. NJIT transfer Enrique Mutsoli has also shown promise on the offensive front.
SCOUTING THE HOYAS
The #16 Georgetown Hoyas come into Monday's contest with an 2-0-1 record, having secured two consecutive victories, including a 1-0 shutout at home against UNC Greensboro on Friday, Aug. 30.
Georgetown is the preseason favorite to win the BIG EAST Conference East Division, following a stellar 2023 season in which they recorded 13 wins, clinched the BIG EAST Regular Season Championship, and earned a berth in the NCAA tournament, advancing to the second round before falling to James Madison.
Offensively, freshman forward Mitchell Baker has been a standout, scoring all three of Georgetown's goals this season, including a brace in the 2-0 win at Maryland on Aug. 25. The Hoyas also welcome back Zach Zengue, who tallied five goals and 16 points in 2023.
Defensively, Maximus Jennings, named the Preseason BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year, continues to anchor the backline. Jennings started all 19 games last season, contributing five goals and an assist. This season, he has maintained his form, starting in all three games for Georgetown.
In goal, Luca Ulrich secured a shutout in Georgetown's recent match against UNC Greensboro, further highlighting the Hoyas' defensive strength.
UP NEXT
FIU returns home for a showdown with #21 UCF Knights on Wednesday, Sep. 11. 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.
