MIAMI – FIU men's soccer returns to American Conference play Sunday night, hosting the UAB Blazers at Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium.

Sunday, Oct. 11 vs UAB (4-3-3, 1-1-1 American)

• Time / Site: 7 p.m. ET at Leyva Family Field at FIU Socer Stadium
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• Presented by Baptist Health, The Official Sports Medicine Provider of FIU Athletics
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FIU (6-3-2, 1-1-1 American) enters the matchup riding momentum, having won three straight games and remaining unbeaten in its last five matches. The Panthers are coming off a 2-0 midweek victory over North Florida on Tuesday, Oct. 6, which marked their fifth shutout of the season. The win also extended FIU's unbeaten streak at home to seven consecutive matches.
 
In the American Conference standings, FIU is tied for fifth with four points alongside UAB, sitting one point behind second-place Florida Atlantic and Tulsa, which each have five points.

Game Preview
FIU looks to build on its recent success following two consecutive conference results without a loss, drawing with Memphis on Sept. 25 before earning a 1-0 road victory over South Florida on Oct. 2.
 
In the 2-0 win over North Florida, the Panthers' offense delivered in key moments, as freshman Sergio Perello scored his first career goal to provide the game-winner before Owen Barnett added a late goal with 12 seconds remaining to seal the victory.
 
As a team, FIU has scored 17 goals this season, led offensively by graduate student Santi Possu, who leads the Panthers in goals (8) and points (17). His eight goals rank second in the conference, while his four conference goals are tied for the league lead.
 
Possu ranks ninth nationally in goals per game (0.80) and 11th in total goals. The Cali, Colombia, native extended his point streak to six consecutive matches after recording an assist on Barnett's goal against North Florida.
 
Barnett has scored two goals over his last three matches and ranks second on the team in goals, with seven points this season. Jad Benjelloun has been an impactful presence in the midfield, appearing in 10 matches and leading the team with three assists. Martin Piedeleu has appeared in all 11 matches, recording two goals and two assists while totaling 21 shots, second-most on the team.
 
Perello has made an impact in his freshman campaign, appearing in all 11 matches and scoring his first career goal in his first start of the season against North Florida.
 
On the backline, graduate student defender Finn Bauens has played a key role, starting 10 matches and contributing to five shutouts. He leads the team with 861 minutes played. Michele Ballanti has also been a consistent contributor, appearing in all 11 matches and totaling 814 minutes.
 
In goal, Nigel Van Haveren has recorded 27 saves through 11 matches. He posted a season-high five saves in the shutout against North Florida, earning his fifth clean sheet of the season and matching his previous season total as a Panther. Van Haveren also leads the conference with five shutouts.

Scouting the Blazers
UAB enters the matchup with a 4-3-3 overall record and a 1-1-1 mark in American Conference play, matching FIU's conference record. In its last two matches, the Blazers earned draws against Tulsa on Oct. 2 and Belmont in a 0-0 contest.
 
Offensively, Tony Kim leads UAB with six goals and 13 points through 10 matches. Lucas Rizzo has added two goals and one assist for five points while recording 12 shots.
 
Carson Brice and Tim Pusback have contributed on the backline, with Pusback totaling 900 minutes on the pitch.
 
In goal, Ethan Schulz has appeared in all 10 matches, recording 29 saves and two shutouts.

Matchup History
Sunday marks the 22nd all-time meeting between the two programs, with FIU holding a 12-8-1 advantage in the series. The Panthers have won 10 of the last 11 meetings.
 
In the most recent matchup in Birmingham, FIU fell 2-0 to the Blazers on Oct. 29, 2025. The Panthers won the previous meeting in Miami in 2024, earning a 3-2 victory.
 
Up Next
FIU heads on the road as they take on No. 17 Charlotte in a American Conference rivalry on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 6 p.m.. Kickoff from Jen Gaber Field will be streamed 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.