MIAMI – FIU men's soccer returns home to open a two-game homestand Saturday evening, facing the Drake Bulldogs in non-conference action on Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. from Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium.

Saturday, Sept. 19 vs Drake (4-1-2)

• Time / Site: 7 p.m. ET at Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium
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• Presented by Baptist Health, The Official Sports Medicine Provider of FIU Athletics
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The Panthers (2-3-1, 0-1 American) look to snap a two-game losing streak after falling 2-1 on the road at No. 19 Missouri State last Friday, Sept. 11, in their American Conference opener.

FIU returns to non-conference play against the Bulldogs before resuming American Conference action next weekend when the Panthers face Memphis in Miami.

Game Preview
FIU returns to Miami with a strong home record at Leyva Family Field, having won four straight matches in the 305 dating back to last season. The Panthers have earned two of those victories this season, defeating No. 20 NC State and St. Thomas (Fla.). Since head coach Kyle Russell took over in 2020, FIU has recorded 35 home victories.
 
The Panthers have battled in their last two contests on the road, including a narrow loss to Missouri State. FIU struck first against the Bears on a right-footed strike from Santi Possu just six minutes into the match before Missouri State rallied with a first-half equalizer and a late second-half goal to claim a 2-1 victory.
 
Possu has been the offensive catalyst for the Panthers, leading the team with three goals while recording six points in five matches. He also leads FIU with five shots on goal. His three goals rank tied for third among American Conference forwards.
 
Behind Possu, four different Panthers have found the back of the net: Owen Barnett, Jad Benjelloun, Pasquale Capriati and Ezequiel Gonzalez. Barnett and Benjelloun have each recorded a goal and an assist this season, with Barnett tallying his first assist of the campaign in last Friday's match at Missouri State.
 
Midfielder Martin Piedeleu has been a key presence in the attack, appearing in all six matches and leading the team with eight shots. He also recorded two shots on goal against Missouri State.
 
On the backline, several Panthers have played key roles, including left back Alfonso Gilleard-Soriano, who has appeared in five matches and recorded four shots. Michele Ballanti leads the team in minutes played with 454 and has started all six matches, while freshman Mateo Stickler has made an immediate impact, starting all six contests.
 
Finn Bauens has also been a key contributor defensively, appearing in five matches while logging 437 minutes.
 
In goal, Nigel Van Haveren has started all six matches and recorded 13 saves, including back-to-back three-save performances with two shutouts.

Scouting the Bulldogs
Drake heads to Miami with a 4-1-2 record after earning a 1-0 road victory at Oral Roberts on Saturday, Sept. 12.
 
The Bulldogs entered the season picked to finish second in the Missouri Valley Conference after winning the MVC Championship in 2025.
 
Offensively, Evan Carlson has paced Drake with a team-high three goals and nine shots, while six different Bulldogs have found the back of the net this season. Barrett Kitts leads the team with four assists through seven matches, while Malachi Anya has added three assists.
 
In goal, Tomas Butkovic has started all seven matches and recorded 10 saves, including three shutouts.

Matchup Notes
Saturday will mark the first meeting all-time meeting between FIU and Drake.

Up Next
FIU returns back to conference play on Friday, Sept. 25 facing off with RV Memphis at 7 p.m.. 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

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.