MIAMI – FIU men's soccer returns home Tuesday evening for its final non-conference matchup of the season, hosting the North Florida Ospreys at Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium.

Tuesday, Oct. 6 vs North Florida (8-3-1)

• Time / Site: 7 p.m. ET at Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium
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FIU (5-3-2) enters the contest riding a two-game winning streak after securing pivotal road victories over FGCU on Sept. 29 and South Florida on Oct. 2.
 
The 4-2 victory at FGCU saw the Panthers score their most goals of the season and their most in a road contest since 2022, while the 1-0 victory at South Florida secured FIU's first American Conference win of the season. Tuesday also marks FIU's third consecutive matchup against a Florida program.

Game Preview
FIU looks to continue its success at home Tuesday night, having gone unbeaten through its first four home contests with a 3-0-1 record. The Panthers are also unbeaten in their last six home matches dating back to the 2025 season.
 
Tuesday marks FIU's final non-conference test of the season before the Panthers return to American Conference play for the final five matches of the regular season. FIU currently sits at 1-1-1 in conference play.
 
Offensively, FIU has scored 15 goals this season, which ranks fifth in the American Conference. The Panthers are led by graduate student forward Santi Possu, who continues to elevate his play after tallying a pair of goals in FIU's recent road victories.
 
Possu scored the game-tying goal in Fort Myers as the Panthers rallied for a 4-2 victory over FGCU before securing the game-winner at South Florida, finding the back of the net in the 83rd minute to help FIU earn its first American Conference victory of the season.
 
Possu has scored in five consecutive matches, totaling six goals during that stretch. He leads the Panthers with eight goals and 16 points, while his eight goals are tied for the American Conference lead. His four conference goals also lead the league. Nationally, Possu ranks seventh in total goals with eight and is tied for fifth in goals per game at 0.89.
 
Martin Piedeleu had a strong performance in the win over FGCU, recording his first career multi-goal match while extending his point streak to two consecutive games. Owen Barnett also found the back of the net for his second goal of the season, tying Piedeleu for second on the team.
 
Jad Benjelloun continues to be a vital part of the midfield, leading the Panthers with three assists, including a two-assist performance at FGCU. He has appeared in nine of FIU's 10 matches and has recorded eight shots.
 
Several Panthers have also contributed in the assist column. Miquel Gelabert, Matteo Piccardo and Mateo Stickler each recorded an assist against FGCU, while Leonardo Consoloni and Thomas Sellwood tallied assists in the victory at South Florida.
 
On the backline, graduate student defender Finn Bauens has played a key role, starting nine matches and being part of four shutouts. He leads the team with 771 minutes played.
 
Stickler has appeared in all 10 matches, logging 694 minutes, which ranks second on the team. He has also recorded four shots on goal. Michele Ballanti has been a consistent contributor on the backline, appearing in all 10 matches and totaling 724 minutes.
 
In goal, Nigel Van Haveren has recorded 22 saves through 10 matches and has been part of four shutouts, including two saves in the victory at South Florida.

Scouting the Ospreys
North Florida enters Tuesday's contest with an 8-3-1 record and riding a four-match winning streak. The Ospreys have also opened ASUN Conference play with a perfect 5-0 record.
 
North Florida is coming off a 2-1 home victory over Central Arkansas this past Saturday, Oct. 3. The reigning ASUN champions are led offensively by Mark Romano, who has six goals and one assist for a team-high 13 points through 12 matches.
 
Geraldo Neto has added three goals, while Mikhail Keise has two goals on the season. Anton Khelil leads the Ospreys with three assists.
 
In goal, Luciano Natoli has played in 10 matches. The preseason ASUN Goalkeeper of the Year has recorded 25 saves this season.

Matchup History
Tuesday will mark the 11th meeting between the two programs, dating back to 2011. FIU holds a 5-3-2 advantage in the all-time series.
 
The matchup will be the first between the Panthers and Ospreys since 2022, when FIU earned a 2-0 home victory on Sept. 6.

Up Next
FIU returns back to conference play as they host UAB on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. from Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium. 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

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.