MIAMI – FIU men's soccer program battled Memphis to a 2-2 draw Friday night at Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium, earning its first conference point of the season behind a second-half brace from
Santi Possu.
Trailing 2-1 late in the second half, Possu found the back of the net in the 86th minute off an assist from
Martin Piedeleu to level the contest and secure the draw for the Panthers.
Possu scored both of FIU's goals in the second half, including a penalty kick in the 50th minute before his late equalizer. The brace marked his first multi-goal game as a Panther, while extending his scoring streak to three consecutive matches and giving him four goals over his last three contests, posting a team-lead of six goals on the campaign. The Cali, Colombia native also recorded his second penalty-kick goal of the season.
FIU (3-3-2, 0-1-1 American) entered the second half trailing 2-0 after Memphis scored twice late in the opening 45 minutes. Ethan Cook opened the scoring in the 41st minute before Keanan Bader converted a penalty kick in the 45th minute to give the Tigers a 2-0 advantage at the break.
The Panthers responded immediately in the second half, as Possu converted from the penalty spot in the 50th minute to cut the deficit to 2-1. FIU continued to pressure Memphis throughout the half, generating 10 shots and nine corner kicks before Possu's second goal of the night leveled the match in the 86th minute.
Overall, FIU outshot Memphis 15-12 and placed six attempts on goal. Possu led the Panthers with four shots and three on goal, while Piedeleu added two shots to go along with his second assist of the season.
In goal,
Nigel Van Haveren played all 90 minutes and recorded two saves to help the Panthers earn their first conference point of the season.
Up Next
FIU hits the road on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. taking on FGCU at Pickering 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
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