MIAMI – The FIU men's soccer program north for an in-state showdown against rival Florida Atlantic in an American Conference matchup Friday night in Boca Raton.
Friday, Sept. 26 at Florida Atlantic (5-2, 1-0 American)
- Time / Site: 7 p.m. ET at FAU Soccer Stadium
- ESPN+
- Live Stats
- Presented by Baptist Health, The Official Sports Medicine Provider of FIU Athletics
FIU (4-2-2, 2-0 American) enters the contest riding a three-match winning streak, all by shutout. The stretch marks the Panthers' first such run since 2022, when they captured both the American Conference Regular Season and Tournament Championships.
The Panthers are coming off a 1-0 win over Missouri State on Sept. 21, with junior forward
Pasquale Capriati netting the game-winner. The Altamura, Italy, native leads FIU in goals (4), points (11), shots (14), and shots on goal (9), while tying for the team lead in assists (3). He has appeared in all eight matches with six starts and was recently named the American Offensive Player of the Week.
Senior
Eduardo Mustre made his return to the pitch for the first time since Aug. 29 last Sunday, recording 24 minutes off the bench.
Freshman
Johan Helan has provided a spark with three goals—second-most on the team—across 609 minutes, including a tally in the win over FGCU on Sept. 18.
Scott Neil has been a steady presence with 621 minutes, contributing three assists (tied for team lead) and one goal.
Midfielder
Mathys Lefebvre has logged 585 minutes in eight matches, while
David Boccuzzo has appeared in every game, scoring once and playing the full 90 in the Missouri State victory.
On the back line,
Alfonso Gilleard-Soriano has earned six straight starts, while
Leonardo Consoloni has provided stability with three full-90 outings in his last five matches.
Graduate defender
Owen Travis was named to the Amercian Weekly Honor Roll after strong showings against FGCU and Missouri State. He has started seven matches and ranks fifth on the team in minutes played (572).
In goal,
Nigel Van Haveren has been dominant, recording six saves across FIU's three consecutive shutouts.
The junior has posted six career clean sheets, including three this season, while registering 24 saves—tied for the conference lead. He recently earned his fourth career American Goalkeeper of the Week honor.
As a team, FIU has fired 95 shots this season, ranking third in the American, while standing fourth in total goals (14).
HISTORY WITH FLORIDA ATLANTIC
Friday's match marks the 44th meeting between the two programs in a rivalry that dates back to 1984.
The Panthers claimed the most recent contest, defeating FAU 1-0 in the opening round of the 2024 American Conference Championship behind a goal from
Eduardo Mustre.
SCOUTING THE OWLS
Florida Atlantic enters the match 5-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play coming off a road 3-1 win vs Temple on Sunday, Sept. 21. The Owls, ranked as high as No. 19 earlier this season, opened the year with a 3-0 start.
They are led by Mamadou Diarra, the American Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, who has recorded four goals, 11 points, and three assists.
Aboubacar Traore has added two goals and a team-high four assists. Defensively, David Roberts has logged 471 minutes over seven matches.
Goalkeeper Alfred Mikkelsen has started all seven matches, collecting 23 saves in 600 minutes.
UP NEXT
FIU heads to Portland, Ore. as they are set to face the No. 2 ranked Portland Pilots on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 10 p.m. from Merlo Field at the Clive Charles Soccer Complex. It will be streamed live on ESPN+.
BAPTIST HEALTH
The 2025 season is presented by Baptist Health, The Official Sports Medicine Provider of FIU Athletics
SOCIAL MEDIA
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