MIAMI – The No. 4 seed FIU men's soccer program is set for a semifinal showdown on Wednesday evening, taking on No. 1 seed Charlotte in the 2025 American Conference Championship.

Wednesday, Nov. 12 at No. 1 Charlotte (8-4-3, 5-1-2 American)

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

The Panthers (7-8-2) advanced to the semifinals after a 1-0 victory over No. 5 seed Missouri State on Friday, Nov. 7, at Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium. Sophomore Alfonso Gilleard-Soriano delivered the decisive goal in the 64th minute, lifting FIU to the next round.
 
This marks FIU's eighth appearance in the American Conference Championship since joining the league as an affiliate member in 2022. The Panthers hold a 5-2 record in tournament play and look to make their second consecutive trip to the title match after defeating top-seeded Memphis and facing Charlotte in last year's final, which ended in overtime.
 
A win on Wednesday would send FIU to the American Championship match, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 15, at 6 p.m. in Charlotte, against either No. 6 seed Tulsa or No. 2 seed Florida Atlantic. It would also mark the program's third championship appearance in the last four seasons.
 
Fifth-year forward Eduardo Mustre continues to pace the FIU attack, leading the team with six goals, 13 points, and 29 shots through 13 matches this season. Mustre earned Second Team All-Conference honors — the second postseason all-league recognition of his career — and has logged 90-minute efforts in each of the last three matches, including three shots against Missouri State.
 
Freshman standout Johan Helan, who earned All-Freshman Team honors, has appeared in all 17 matches (15 starts), contributing three goals and six points, including a full 90-minute performance in Friday's win.
 
Pasquale Capriati ranks second on the team with four goals and three assists through 15 matches, while Joao Domingues leads the American with five assists — including four in conference play — and has recorded a helper in three of his last seven appearances. David Boccuzzo has also been a consistent contributor, starting 15 of 17 matches while adding one goal and two assists.
 
Defensively, Gilleard-Soriano has anchored the FIU backline, starting 15 of 16 matches and leading the team in minutes played (1,298). His first career goal proved to be the game-winner against Missouri State.
 
Owen Travis, a two-time Second Team All-Conference selection, has been equally vital, ranking second on the team in minutes (1,292) with 15 starts, two goals, and one assist. Travis netted the game-winning goal in FIU's 2-1 win over then-No. 24 Charlotte earlier this season (Oct. 24).
 
In goal, Nigel Van Haveren continues to provide steady play, recording two saves in the quarterfinal victory over Missouri State. The junior has started 14 matches this season, totaling 45 saves and four shutouts, ranking fourth in the conference in saves.

HISTORY WITH CHARLOTTE
Wednesday's matchup marks the 23rd all-time meeting between FIU and Charlotte, and the second consecutive meeting in the American Conference Championship. The two programs met in last year's title match, where the Panthers fell in a 2-1 overtime heartbreaker.
 
Earlier this season, FIU earned a 1-0 victory over then-No. 24 Charlotte on Oct. 24 at FIU Soccer Stadium, as Owen Travis netted the game-winning goal to secure the upset.

SCOUTING THE NINERS
The top-seeded Charlotte 49ers enter the semifinal as co–regular season champions, holding an 8-4-3 overall record and a 5-1-2 mark in conference play.
 
Charlotte saw seven players earn All-Conference honors, highlighted by Ben Fisher, who was named Midfielder of the Year after starting 15 matches and leading the team with five assists.
 
In goal, Leonard Stritter was recognized as the Goalkeeper of the Year, posting 45 saves with a 0.798 save percentage and a 0.80 goals-against average.
 
Samuel Manufor earned Freshman of the Year honors, appearing in 15 matches and logging six full 90-minute efforts on the back line.
 
Offensively, Denis Krioutchenkov leads the 49ers with seven goals, followed by Elias Arsvoll with six goals and four assists, while Natsuki Ogata has added four goals on the season.

UP NEXT 
With the win, FIU will advance to the championship match, taking on either No. 6 seed Tuilsa or No. 2 Florida Atlantic on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. in Charlotte, N.C..It will be streamed live on ESPN+ from Transamerica Field.

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
 
General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.