The 2026 season got off to a dramatic start for the FIU Panthers men’s soccer squad, as they hosted Creighton in a tightly contested opening match that promised plenty of excitement for fans and analysts alike.
Creighton struck first in the 20th minute, with a swift move that put them ahead, and by halftime the Bluejays had built a 3‑0 cushion, leaving the Panthers trailing but still within striking distance.
Key moments
The second half saw Creighton extend their advantage to 4‑0 in the 67th minute, but the Panthers answered back. Santi Possu, making his debut for FIU, found the net in the 71st minute, assisted by Johan Helan and Benjamin Watt, sparking hope among the home crowd.
FIU kept pressing, adding two more goals in the 82nd and 87th minutes to narrow the gap to 6‑1, with Pasquale Capriati capping the comeback effort in the 89th minute, his first strike of the campaign.
Despite a flurry of shots — 11 in total, led by Alfonso Gilleard‑Soriano, Sergio Perello and Mats Vogel — FIU could not level the score, as Nigel Van Haveren made three crucial saves in goal to preserve the lead.
The Panthers now turn their attention to a clash with the Omaha Mavericks on August 23 at 8 p.m., hoping to translate the late‑game resilience into a positive result and climb back into contention.