FIU Extends Winning Streak
The Florida International University men's soccer squad continued its early-season momentum Monday night, dispatching St. Thomas (Fla.) by a 2‑0 margin at FIU Stadium. The victory improves the Panthers to 2‑1‑1 and underscores the team's defensive cohesion and attacking precision.
Scoring opened in the 35th minute when Ezequiel Gonzalez found the net for the first time this campaign, slotting a low drive past the goalkeeper to put FIU ahead. The goal settled the visitors early and shifted the tempo in favor of the home side.
Just over an hour later, Jad Benjelloun doubled the lead in the 54th minute, capitalizing on a precise pass from Mateo Stickler. Benjelloun's strike, his inaugural goal of the 2026 season, extended the Panthers' cushion to two goals.
Veteran midfielder Pasquale Capriati contributed his first assist of the season, threading a clever pass that set up Benjelloun's finish. Capriati's playmaking added depth to an already balanced attack.
Defensively, FIU limited St. Thomas to just two shots, one on target, while goalkeeper Nigel Van Haveren made a single save in 76 minutes of work, preserving his second clean sheet of the term.
The match was interrupted in the 77th minute by a sudden lightning storm, prompting officials to halt play with the Panthers comfortably ahead 2‑0. The pause did not alter the outcome, as FIU maintained control throughout the encounter.
Looking Ahead to Queens
FIU will next travel to Queens, New York, where they are scheduled to meet St. Johns on Sunday, September 6, at 7 p.m. The upcoming fixture will be streamed live on ESPN+, offering fans a chance to follow the Panthers' progress as they aim to build on their early-season successes.