MIAMI – FIU men's soccer secured a 2-1 victory over Florida Atlantic on Friday evening at Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium, earning its second American Conference win of the season.
FIU scored once in each half to extend their unbeaten streak to eight consecutive matches.
The Panthers (7-3-4, 2-1-3 American) opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when freshman
Sergio Perello found the back of the net off an assist from
Miquel Gelabert. Perello recorded his second goal of the season after earning American Conference Freshman of the Week honors.
FIU carried a 1-0 advantage into halftime after outshooting the Owls 9-3 in the opening period and earning all three corner kicks.
In the second half, the Panthers extended their lead in the 78th minute when forward
Santi Possu scored off an assist from Raúl Carrasco. Possu found the net for the second consecutive match, recording his 10th goal of the season and becoming the first Panther since
Eduardo Mustre in 2023 to reach double-digit goals in a season.
Possu's milestone marks the fifth time since 2017 that an FIU player has recorded a 10-goal season, joining Mustre (2023), Stephen Afrifa (2022) and Santiago Patino (2017-18).
Florida Atlantic scored late in the match, but FIU held on to secure the 2-1 victory. The result extended the Panthers' unbeaten streak to eight matches and their unbeaten run at home to nine consecutive matches dating back to 2025.
FIU finished with a 15-11 advantage in shots and a 7-6 edge in shots on goal. Perello recorded three shots, including two on target, while Possu put both of his attempts on frame. Gelabert added an assist and placed both of his shots on goal, recording an assist in two of his last three matches.
Defensively, goalkeeper
Nigel Van Haveren recorded five saves, matching his season high, while playing all 90 minutes.
Up Next
FIU prepares for their regular season home finale on Wednesday, Oct. 28 vs Tulsa. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. from Leyva Family Field and 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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