MIAMI – The FIU men's soccer program heads west for a top-two showdown against the No. 2-ranked Portland Pilots on Tuesday evening in Portland, Oregon.
Tuesday, Sept. 30 at No. 2 Portland (7-0-1)
- Time / Site: 10 p.m. ET at Merlo Field at the Clive Charles Soccer Complex
- ESPN+
- Live Stats
- Presented by Baptist Health, The Official Sports Medicine Provider of FIU Athletics
The Panthers (4-3-2) make the 2,699-mile trip for their second to last non-conference matchup of the season, looking to rebound from a 2-0 setback at Florida Atlantic on Sept. 26. FIU held the Owls scoreless through the first half before a penalty kick shifted the momentum.
Tuesday's match marks FIU's highest-ranked opponent since facing then-No. 1 Marshall on Nov. 5, 2021, when the Panthers earned a 4-1 victory over the Thundering Herd.
Junior Pasquale Capriati continues to pace FIU, leading the team in goals (4), points (11), shots (14), and shots on goal (9), while tying for the team lead in assists (3). The Altamura, Italy, native was named American Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 22. Freshman Johan Helan has provided a spark with three goals, including one in the win over FGCU on Sept. 18, while Scott Neil has logged 621 minutes, contributing three assists and a goal.
Preseason All-Conference forward Eduardo Mustre has returned to action, appearing off the bench in the last two matches.
Senior Mathys Lefebvre has logged 675 minutes, third-most on the team, with back-to-back 90-minute efforts. David Boccuzzo has appeared in all nine matches, including eight starts, and has recorded three points. Senior Joao Domingues has chipped in two assists on the season, including an 84-minute effort at FAU.
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 six matches.
Defender Owen Travis has been dependable, starting eight of nine matches with 662 minutes and a full 90 at Florida Atlantic.
Goalkeeper Nigel Van Haveren has been vital in net, recording 28 saves with a 1.13 goals-against average. He has three shutouts in his past four matches and is tied for the conference lead in saves.
As a team, FIU has registered 106 shots, ranking third in the conference, and stands fourth in total goals (14).
HISTORY WITH PORTLAND
This will be the fourth all-time meeting between FIU and Portland, and the first since 2000.
The Panthers have previously visited Portland twice, including an NCAA Tournament match in 1991.
SCOUTING THE PILOTS
The Portland Pilots (7-0-1) enter undefeated, coming off a 3-0 win over Gonzaga to open league play and are ranked No. 2 nationally for the first time since 1992,
Portland features a balanced attack led by Joe Highfield with six goals and 15 points, and David Ajagbe with five goals.
Diego Rosas leads the team with six assists, while Miguel-Angel Hernandez has started seven matches in net, recording six shutouts and allowing just two goals.
UP NEXT
FIU returns home to host the Temple Owls on Friday, Oct. 3 at Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium. Match is set for a 7 p.m. kick and 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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