Earlier today, FIU Men’s Soccer announced that Owen Travis and Eduardo Mustre will be their new team captains for the 2025 season. They take on these roles after strong performances in 2024, even with Travis’s abbreviated play last year due to injury.
Returner Owen Travis was a vital member of the Panthers’ defense in 2023 as a middle back from Locust Grove, Georgia. In 2023, Travis led the team in play time (1,698) and participated in all 19 games. He earned a position on the American All-Conference Second Team.
One last ride. Our captains are announced 🫡 pic.twitter.com/f4cHRhawbV
— FIU Men's Soccer (@FIUMensSoccer) August 5, 2025
He was unfortunately forced to redshirt his 2024 season due to a serious injury. Nevertheless, his work ethic and aggressive manner set the tone for the squad. Travis made a significant impact shortly after joining FIU and was a formidable defender at UAB from 2020 to 2022.
A Powerful Duo Establishes the Scene
Eduardo “Lalo” Mustre, a senior forward, was FIU’s top scorer in 2024. Despite only making seven starts in 10 games, he led the squad with five goals, 10 points, and 20 shots. He has scored four goals in his previous four games, including the game-winning goal against Florida Atlantic in the quarterfinals. He also scored two goals against Memphis in the 2024 American tournament.
Mustre’s impressive play wasn’t new. In 2023, he led the Panthers in scoring with 11 goals and 24 points, earning selections to the All-American First Team and the United Soccer Coaches All-East Region. His crucial contribution to FIU’s offensive objectives is demonstrated by his first victory as the 2024 American Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.
Head coach Kyle Russell gave both players high marks, highlighting Mustre’s daring assault and Travis’s solid defense. Both Travis and Mustre received preseason All-Conference selections. This indicates that the Panthers will be in the running once more, according to FIU’s preseason media guide.
“Lalo has big expectations for himself. Neither our team nor the land he doesn’t aim above has any hope,” Russell remarked.
Travis will concentrate on playing defense, which in 2023 allowed just 20 goals, the fewest since 2009. The Panthers began 2024 on a high note thanks to their perseverance: they were selected second in the preseason, defeated Seton Hall handily, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year.
The team captains of the 2025 season, Travis and Mustre provide dual leadership through Mustre’s attack and Travis’s defense. As they strive for league victories and deep runs in the finals, their responsibilities mark the beginning of a new chapter for FIU.
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