MIAMI – FIU men's soccer returns home for the first time in 2026, hosting No. 20 NC State on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. at Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium.

Thursday, Aug. 27 vs No. 20 NC State (1-0-1)

• Time / Site: 7 p.m. ET at Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium
• ESPN+
• Live Stats
• Home Opener
• Presented by Baptist Health, The Official Sports Medicine Provider of FIU Athletics

The Panthers (0-1-1) return home following a season-opening road trip through Nebraska, dropping their opener to Creighton, 6-2, on Thursday, Aug. 20, before battling Omaha to a scoreless draw on Sunday, Aug. 23.

Thursday marks the first of eight home matches for FIU at Leyva Family Field, with the Panthers playing four home contests over their next six matches. FIU will remain home Monday, Aug. 31, when it hosts St. Thomas (Fla.).

Game Preview
For the first time since 2023, FIU opens its home schedule following a pair of road contests to begin the season. The Panthers last opened their home slate during the season in 2023, defeating then-ranked Oregon State, 2-1 on the road.

FIU scored twice in its 6-2 season-opening loss at Creighton, with Santi Possu and Pasquale Capriati finding the back of the net. Capriati has now scored in the season opener in consecutive seasons.

The Panthers recorded their first draw of the 2026 campaign Sunday at Omaha, playing to a scoreless result while registering 10 shots, including five on goal. Possu, Finn Bauens, Leonardo Consoloni and Mateo Stickler each played all 90 minutes.

Through two matches, FIU has recorded 21 shots. Possu and Alfonso Gilleard-Soriano lead the Panthers with three shots apiece, with each recording two shots on goal. Three Panthers have recorded assists through the opening two matches, with Jad Benjelloun, Johan Helan and Benjamin Watt each recording an assist in the season opener at Creighton.

In goal, Nigel Van Haveren has made four saves through two matches, including three in Sunday's scoreless draw at Omaha. The senior recorded his first clean sheet of the season and ninth of his career.

Thursday marks FIU's first ranked opponent of the season and the 27th ranked opponent the Panthers have faced during the regular season since 2021 under head coach Kyle Russell. FIU has recorded 10 victories against ranked opponents during that span.

Scouting the Wolfpack
No. 20 NC State enters Thursday's matchup with a 1-0-1 record after opening the season with a draw against Coastal Carolina before earning a come-from-behind victory over Queens on Sunday, Aug. 23.

The ACC preseason favorite is coming off a sensational 2025 campaign in which the Wolfpack recorded 16 victories and advanced to the NCAA Championship match. NC State fell to eventual national champion Washington, 3-2, in the title match.

NC State returns four players who made at least 10 starts during the 2025 season, including Tyler Canton, who scored in the Wolfpack's victory over Queens. Russell Berko also returns after earning Division II Second Team All-America honors at Mississippi College.

Marc Hubbard enters his third season leading the Wolfpack after previously serving as the head coach at New Hampshire from 2015-23. Hubbard coached current FIU defender Matteo Piccardo in 2023 during his time at UNH. Austin Bush also played alongside Piccardo at New Hampshire from 2023-24.

Matchup Notes
Thursday marks the fourth all-time meeting between FIU and NC State, with the Wolfpack holding a 3-0 advantage in the series.

The teams last met on Aug. 29, 2025, in Raleigh, with then-No. 8 NC State earning a 2-0 victory.

The previous meeting came in 1984, when NC State also earned a 3-0 victory.

Up Next
FIU continues their homestand on Monday, Aug. 31 at 7 PM when they host St. Thomas (Fla). from 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

Social Media
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