MIAMI – FIU men's soccer program earned a 1-0 victory over Drake Saturday evening at Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium.
With the match scoreless in the 73rd minute, forward
Santi Possu converted a penalty kick to give the Panthers the lead for good. The goal marked Possu's team-leading fourth of the season and his fourth goal in six matches played this season, while scoring in back-to-back matches.
FIU (3-3-1) controlled the contest offensively, recording a season-high 12 shots while placing six attempts on goal. The Panthers also held Drake to just five shots overall in the shutout victory.
The Panthers controlled the opening half, outshooting Drake 6-1 and placing three shots on goal. Drake goalkeeper Tomas Butkovic saved all three attempts to keep the match scoreless heading into halftime.
FIU continued to apply pressure in the second half, generating four shots and a corner kick between the 50:57 and 59:06 marks before Possu broke through from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute.
Drake recorded four shots in the second half, placing two on goal, but goalkeeper
Nigel Van Haveren turned aside both attempts to preserve the shutout.
Possu led the Panthers with five shots, including three on goal, while
Mateo Stickler added two shots, both on frame.
Van Haveren played all 90 minutes and recorded three saves for his third shutout of the season. FIU has now won five consecutive home matches and all three of their home matches to start 2026.
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
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