Weekend in review: FIU football, men’s soccer and women’s soccer pick up wins

By Joel Delgado ’12 MS ’17

A blocked field goal by senior defensive tackle Isame Faciane as time expired helped secure a historic win for FIU football over Southern Miss Oct. 5. The 24-23 road victory was the first for FIU head coach Ron Turner and the program’s first win as a member of Conference USA.

“All we talked about before the game was if we want to win, we’ve got to win as a team,” Turner said after the game. “We just kept battling. So no matter what would have happened on that last field goal, I would have been very, very proud of these guys for their fight.”

Running back Silas Spearman III (center, #30) scores his first of two touchdowns in FIU’s 24-23 over Southern Miss. – Photo courtesy of Bobby McDuffie

Freshman running back Silas Spearman III helped jump start the Panthers’ running game, rushing for 136 yards and two touchdowns in the win.

The Panthers return home to take on the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) Blazers Oct. 12 for their Homecoming game. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. at Alfonso Field at FIU Stadium

To learn more about FIU football’s win, read the full recap at FIUSports.com.

Men’s soccer shuts out Marshall for first C-USA win of the season

Four different Panthers found the back of the net in FIU men’s soccer’s 4-0 shutout win over the visiting Marshall Thundering Herd at FIU Soccer Stadium Oct. 6.

“It was our most complete performance of the year and it happened at a good time when we’re looking to stay in the middle of contention in the conference,” said Head Coach Kenny Arena. “This win shows we’re not predictable when it comes to where our scoring is coming from.”

First half goals from junior forward Quentin Albrecht and senior midfielder Gonzalo Frenchilla gave the Panthers the early lead, while defenders Marvin Hezel and Sean McFarlane added insurance goals for the Panthers in the final 45 minutes of play. Freshman goalkeeper Lawrence Craggs made five saves to record his second shutout of the season.

To learn more about the FIU men’s soccer win, read the full recap at FIUSports.com.

Women’s soccer rallies to defeat Louisiana Tech in overtime

Midfielder Johanna Volz’s goal in overtime helped deliver a thrilling, come-from-behind 3-2 victory for FIU women’s soccer on the road against Louisiana Tech Oct. 6.

After starting the second half trailing the Lady Techsters 2-1, the Panthers tied the game on Nicole DiPerna’s second goal of the season in the 65^th minute before Volz scored the game-winner four minutes into overtime.

“We played exceptionally well in the second half and the overtime period,” said FIU head coach Thomas Chestnutt after the game. “We’ve talked all year about heart and finishing games, and it was good to see it pay off today.”

To learn more about the FIU women’s soccer victory, read the full recap at FIUSports.com.