TAMPA, Fla. – FIU men's soccer earned its first conference victory of the 2026 season Friday night, defeating South Florida, 1-0, in Tampa.
With the match scoreless in the 83rd minute, forward
Santi Possu delivered the game-winning goal off assists from
Thomas Sellwood and
Leonardo Consoloni, finding the back of the net to give the Panthers (5-3-2, 1-1-1 American) the lead for good. The goal marked Possu's team-leading eighth of the season and his sixth goal over his last five games.
The victory marked FIU's first road win in Tampa since Oct. 17, 2017, and secured the Panthers' first conference win of the season. The goal also marked Possu's fifth consecutive game with a goal, his conference-leading fourth goal in league play and his second game-winning goal of the season, following his game-winner against Drake on Sept. 19.
FIU generated the first chances of the match, with
Martin Piedeleu forcing a save at 1:46 before Possu hit the right woodwork at 6:03. The Panthers continued to create opportunities throughout the opening half, but South Florida goalkeeper Marcus Steinhaeuser kept the match scoreless. Van Haveren made two saves late in the half to send the Panthers into halftime tied 0-0.
The Panthers continued to pressure in the second half, creating several chances before Possu broke through in the 83rd minute. Sellwood and Consoloni combined to set up Possu, who finished the opportunity to put FIU ahead 1-0. The Panthers generated three more shots following the goal and held off South Florida to secure the victory.
FIU recorded 16 shots, with seven on goal. Piedeleu led the Panthers with four shots, including two on goal, while Possu added three shots. Consoloni and Sellwood each recorded their first assists of the season.
In goal,
Nigel Van Haveren played all 90 minutes and made two saves to record his fourth shutout of the season and help FIU secure its first conference victory.
Up Next
FIU returns home to host the reigning ASUN tournament champions in North Florida on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. at Leyva Family Field. It will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Baptist Health
The 2026 FIU men's soccer season is presented by Baptist Health, The Official Sports Medicine Provider of FIU Athletics
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