FIU men’s soccer (1-1-1, Conf. 0-0) earned its first win of the 2026 season in dramatic fashion, upsetting nationally ranked NC State 2–1 at home. Following the win, the Panthers now sit sixth in the American Conference standings.
First Half
The Panthers struck first in the 22nd minute when Owen Barnett found the back of the net on a long-range shot, giving FIU an early 1–0 lead. NC State responded just four minutes later after drawing a foul inside the box. The Wolfpack capitalized on the ensuing penalty kick to even the match at 1–1. After the penalty, senior goalkeeper Nigel Van Haveren shut down the Wolfpack for the remainder of the match. He recorded two saves on the night, keeping NC State from finding the back of the net again.
“We got an unfortunate penalty, but we fought together. We scored another goal, held the tights in the back and got the win,” senior goalkeeper Nigel Van Haveren said.
Second Half
Both teams traded blows in a defensive second half, creating scoring opportunities but refusing to give the other an opening to take the lead. With the match tied at 1–1, Martin Piedeleu set up Santi Possu for the go-ahead goal in the 75th minute, giving the Panthers a 2-1 lead. The goal marked Possu’s second of the season, making him FIU’s leading goal scorer.
“He’s doing what he came here to do and what we expected him to do. He’s not like smoke and mirrors; he’s the real deal. He’s a guy that is going to have a really fun and successful career after FIU at the next level,” head coach Kyle Russell said of Santi Possu.
75' | SANTI FOR THE LEADDDDDDDD!!!! pic.twitter.com/e4ruujEfiU
— FIU Men's Soccer (@FIUMensSoccer) August 28, 2026
What’s next
Following the win, the Panthers will look to carry their momentum into Monday’s matchup against St. Thomas University. The match will mark the first meeting between the two South Florida programs. Kickoff is set for Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. at Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium.
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