Florida Gulf Coast University men’s soccer defeated Virginia 2-1 on Aug. 31, 2026, in Charlottesville, Virginia, to earn the program’s first victory over an Atlantic Coast Conference opponent. Michael Ndiweni scored his first goal as an Eagle in the 86th minute, giving FGCU its first win over a power conference opponent in seven years.
Virginia took an early lead after a 50-minute weather delay when AJ Smith scored in the 12th minute. Chase Duke and Alex Parvu assisted on the goal. FGCU answered after Virginia received its first red card in the 26th minute.
Aron Martinez took a free kick from just outside the box, and a Virginia defender deflected the attempt. Hugo Munter returned the ball to Martinez, who finished the chance to tie the match at 1-1. Virginia later received a second red card in the 81st minute.
Michael Ndiweni delivers late winner
FGCU continued to pressure Virginia in the second half, taking six shots, including three on goal. Five minutes after the Cavaliers’ second red card, Job Choute played the ball into the box from the left wing. Virginia’s goalkeeper could not control the rebound, and Ndiweni tapped the ball over the goalkeeper for the winning goal.
Eduard Garcia earned the victory in his first career start in goal. The fifth-year goalkeeper made three saves against Virginia after logging 11 career Division I minutes before the match. His performance helped FGCU protect the lead through the final minutes.
“Amazing result, amazing night, so proud of the boys,” head coach Oliver Twelvetrees said.
“Worked so hard, didn’t start so well, we went down one goal, but we showed the character and the strength of will to fight back and played some great football in the end. It was a really special moment, you’re searching for those special moments and the second goal, the winning goal from Mikey, was a special moment that we’re all going to remember. It’ll go down in FGCU history.”
“I think to establish yourself in FGCU history, beating an ACC school for the first time is pretty special,” Ndiweni said. “Hopefully the boys can kick on because we’ve got a talented group, and I’m excited for the rest of the season.”
Historic result for FGCU
FGCU entered the match 0-8-0 all time against ACC opponents and 8-17-3 against power conference opponents. The Eagles had not recorded a result against a power conference opponent since tying Michigan State 1-1 on Sept. 2, 2019. FGCU’s previous power conference win was a 4-3 victory over Michigan on Aug. 30, 2019.
FGCU was scheduled to close its five-game season-opening road trip at West Florida at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, in its first ASUN game of 2026.
Source: Original report