The Florida International University men’s soccer team is set to open its 2026 campaign at home, welcoming No. 20‑ranked North Carolina State to Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium on Thursday, August 27.
Series History and Expectations
After opening the season with a 6‑2 loss to Creighton and a 0‑0 draw at Omaha, the Panthers have shown they can strike quickly. Santi Possu and Pasquale Capriati each found the net in the Creighton defeat, and Capriati’s goal in the Omaha stalemate extended his streak of scoring in consecutive season openers.
The home slate will consist of eight matches, four of which fall within the next six games, giving the team a chance to build momentum on familiar ground. Coach Kyle Russell, who has guided FIU to ten victories over ranked opponents since 2021, hopes the early home stretch will set the tone for a competitive year.
North Carolina State arrives with a 1‑0‑1 record after a draw against Coastal Carolina and a win over Queens. The Wolfpack, who captured the 2025 NCAA Championship before falling to Washington in the title match, return four key contributors — Tyler Canton, Russell Berko, Marc Hubbard and Matteo Piccardo — who will test the Panthers’ defense.
The upcoming clash marks the fourth meeting in the all‑time series, with NC State holding a 3‑0 advantage. The teams last faced off in Raleigh on August 29, 2025, with the Wolfpack edging a 2‑0 victory, and the Panthers hope to reverse the trend on their own turf.