MIAMI- The FIU men's soccer program begins American Athletic Conference play this Friday night with a road matchup in Tampa against the South Florida Bulls from Corbett Soccer Stadium.

Friday, Sept. 20 at South Floirda

• Time / Site: 7 p.m. ET at Corbett Soccer Stadium
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• Presented by Baptist Health, The Official Sports Medicine Provider of FIU Athletics 

The Panthers enter conference play with significant momentum, coming off back-to-back victories this past week. FIU secured wins over #10 UCF at home and Central Arkansas on the road, combining for seven goals across both matches.
 
In their most recent game on Sunday, Sept. 15, FIU defeated Central Arkansas 3-0 in Conway, Arkansas. Seniors Michael Appiah and Bernardo Dos Santos Monteiro each found the back of the net, while freshman Ron Arie scored the first goal of his collegiate career, helping FIU secure its first road win of the season.
 
Now in their third season as members of the American Athletic Conference (AAC), FIU boasts an overall record of 11-3-4 over their first two campaigns. This impressive run includes winning both the AAC Regular Season and Tournament titles in 2022. The 11 wins by the Panthers over the past two seasons are the most of any returning AAC program.
 
Last season, FIU finished with a 5-1-2 record in AAC play, placing third with 17 points.
 
This year, the Panthers have found their stride offensively, with senior Bernardo Dos Santos Monteiro leading the charge. Through six games, Dos Santos Monteiro has tallied two goals and one assist, earning a total of five points. His eight shots on goal are tied for first in the conference, and his standout performance last week, with two goals and an assist, earned him AAC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
 
Michael Appiah has been another key contributor for FIU, leading the team with three goals—tied for first in the AAC. The Ghanaian forward has scored in three of the last four matches, including a goal just 16 seconds into the game against Central Arkansas.
 
Sophomore goalkeeper Nigel Van Haveren continues to shine between the posts. Recognized as one of the top goalkeepers in the nation, Van Haveren has made 34 saves through six games, with a goals-against average of 1.50. He is tied for first in the AAC in saves per game (6.60) and ranks eighth nationally in total saves.
 
On defense, freshman David Houja leads the team in minutes, having played every minute of FIU's six matches (540 total). Midfielder Joao Domingues has been a consistent playmaker, logging over 75 minutes per game and contributing an assist. Midfielder Nicolas Villalobos has started all six matches, playing 481 minutes while adding a goal and an assist.
 
FIU will face South Florida for the 35th time in program history this Friday in Tampa. The Panthers hold a 16-14-4 edge in the all-time series, winning four of the last six meetings. In their most recent AAC encounters, FIU came out on top with a 2-1 victory at home on September 29, 2023, while their last meeting in Tampa on Oct. 16, 2022, resulted in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

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.
 
SCOUTING THE BULLS
South Florida enters AAC play with a 2-1-4 overall record, coming off a 0-0 draw against #10 UCF on the road last Sunday, Sept. 15.
 
This season, the Bulls have recorded wins over Eckerd and UC Irvine, with their only loss coming in the season opener against Seattle University on August 22. South Florida was picked to finish fourth in the AAC preseason poll after finishing the 2023 campaign with a 6-9-1 record, including three wins in conference play.
 
Leading the Bulls offensively is Lovro Kostanjsek, who has two goals and two assists for six points in seven starts. Preseason All-AAC selection Jalen Anderson has contributed a goal and an assist across six games. Freshman Marcelo Mondragon was named AAC Freshman of the Week after scoring his first career goal—a game-winner—against UC Irvine on Sept. 9.
 
In goal, Felix Schaefer has started all seven matches for South Florida, recording 22 saves and three shutouts, with a goals-against average of 1.29.
 
UP NEXT
FIU will close out the road trip taking on the SMU Mustangs for non-conference action on Wednesday, Sept. 25. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET and can be streamed on ACC Network Extra.
 
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.