The No. 4 seed FIU men's soccer team will face off against No. 2 seed Florida Atlantic in the American Conference Championship Match on November 15 in Charlotte, N.C. With a victory, FIU aims to secure their second American Conference title and an NCAA Tournament bid, following a tense 11-10 penalty shootout win over top-seeded Charlotte. FIU hopes to bounce back after a loss to Charlotte in last year's championship, having previously won the conference title in 2022. Key players include senior Eduardo Mustre, who leads the team with six goals, and solid defensive contributions from Alfonso Gilleard-Soriano. This match marks an important rivalry milestone, being the 45th all-time meeting between the two programs.

By the Numbers
  • FIU's record this season: 7-8-3
  • Florida Atlantic's record this season: 11-3-2
  • FIU's goals scored this season: 30
  • FIU's assists this season: 26
State of Play
  • FIU reached the championship after a high-stakes penalty shootout against Charlotte.
  • Florida Atlantic secured their place in the final with a commanding 3-0 win over Tulsa.
  • Last year's championship saw FIU fall to Charlotte, adding pressure to this year’s match.
  • The teams have exchanged victories in past postseason matchups, setting a competitive tone.
What's Next

A victory for FIU will send them to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time under head coach Kyle Russell, with selections announced on November 17. The outcome could shape the trajectory of the program and boost player recognition on a national level.

Bottom Line

FIU's performance against Florida Atlantic is critical for securing a place in the NCAA Tournament, making this championship match a pivotal moment for the team's season and future aspirations in collegiate soccer.