SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – FIU men's soccer fell to No. 19 Missouri State, 2-1, Friday evening at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium to open American Conference play.
FIU (2-3-1, 0-1 American) entered the second half tied with the Bears before a late goal in the 75th minute lifted Missouri State to victory in the ranked conference matchup.
The Panthers struck first just six minutes into the contest. After a ball in the box was played out to
Santi Possu, the graduate student fired a shot into the top-right corner for his team-leading third goal of the season.
Owen Barnett recorded his first assist of the season on the goal.
Missouri State responded in the 13th minute when a long free kick sailed into the goal, tying the contest at 1-1 heading into the break.
The Bears would find the breakthrough in the second half, scoring in the 75th minute to secure the victory.
Overall, both teams battled in FIU's first conference match of the season, with the Panthers holding an 8-6 advantage in shots. All eight of FIU's shots were on goal in the Panthers' second ranked contest of the 2026 campaign.
Leonardo Consoloni and
Martin Piedeleu recorded two shots on goal apiece, while
Owen Barnett,
Sergio Perello,
Matteo Piccardo and Possu each tallied a shot.
Barnett and
Finn Bauens played the full 90 minutes for FIU.
In net,
Nigel Van Haveren recorded three saves, bringing his season total to 13 through six matches.
Up Next
FIU returns back home on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 7 PM vs Drake. It will be streamed live on ESPN+ from Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium.
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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