Florida International University men’s soccer earned its first American Conference win of the 2026 season Friday, defeating South Florida 1-0 in Tampa. Santi Possu scored the game-winning goal in the 83rd minute, with assists from Thomas Sellwood and Leonardo Consoloni. The victory improved Florida International University to 5-3-2 overall and 1-1-1 in conference play.
Possu Extends Scoring Streak
Possu’s goal was his team-leading eighth of the season and his sixth over the last five games. It also extended his scoring streak to five consecutive matches and gave him a conference-leading fourth goal in league play. The goal was Possu’s second game-winner of the season.
Sellwood and Consoloni each recorded his first assist of the season on the decisive play. Possu finished with three shots, while Martin Piedeleu led Florida International University with four shots, including two on goal. South Florida goalkeeper Marcus Steinhaeuser made saves to keep the match scoreless in the first half.
Florida International University Holds South Florida Scoreless
Florida International University created the first chances of the match, with Piedeleu forcing a save before Possu hit the right woodwork. The Panthers continued to generate opportunities throughout the opening half, but neither team scored before halftime. Nigel Van Haveren made two saves late in the half to send the teams into the break tied 0-0.
Florida International University continued to pressure after halftime and created several chances before Possu broke through in the 83rd minute. Sellwood and Consoloni combined to set up the goal, and the Panthers produced three more shots after taking the lead. South Florida did not score the rest of the way.
Florida International University recorded 16 shots, including seven on goal in the match recap. The team statistics listed eight Florida International University shots on goal and two for South Florida. Van Haveren played all 90 minutes, made two saves and recorded his fourth shutout of the season.
Road Milestone and Next Match
The victory marked Florida International University’s first road win in Tampa since Oct. 17, 2017. It also gave the team its first conference victory of the season. Florida International University will return home Tuesday, Oct. 6, to host North Florida at Leyva Family Field.
The match is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN+. Florida International University enters the match at 5-3-2 overall and 1-1-1 in American Conference play. The North Florida match will be the team’s next opportunity to build on its conference-opening victory.
FSB Take
Florida International University secured its first American Conference win through Possu’s late goal and Van Haveren’s fourth shutout of the season. Possu’s five-game scoring streak remains the defining offensive development from the victory, while Sellwood and Consoloni supplied their first assists of the season. The quick turnaround against North Florida gives the Panthers a chance to continue that momentum at Leyva Family Field.
Source: Original report