OMAHA, Neb. – FIU men's soccer dropped its 2026 season opener Thursday night, falling 6-2 to Creighton at Morrison Stadium.
The Bluejays struck first in the 20th minute before adding goals in the 24th and 28th minutes to take a 3-0 lead into halftime.
Creighton extended its advantage in the 67th minute to make it 4-0 before the Panthers responded four minutes later. Santi Possu found the back of the net in the 71st minute for his first goal in a Panther uniform and FIU's first goal of the 2026 season, with assists from Johan Helan and Benjamin Watt.
The Bluejays added two more goals in the 82nd and 87th minutes to push their lead to 6-1. FIU responded in the 89th minute when Pasquale Capriati scored his first goal of the 2026 campaign to close out the scoring on a assist by Jad Benjelloun.
The Panthers finished with 11 shots, led by Alfonso Gilleard-Soriano, Sergio Perello and Mats Vogel with two apiece. Owen Barnett, Capriati and Possu each added one shot.
Michele Ballanti and Vogel each played all 90 minutes for the Panthers.
In goal, Nigel Van Haveren made the start and recorded three saves.
Up Next
FIU closes out the season-opening road trip to Nebraska on Sunday, Aug. 23 as they take on the Omaha Mavericks at 8 PM. It will be streamed live on Midco Sports Plus from Caniglia Field
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.
