CHARLOTTE, N.C. — #2 Florida Atlantic survived a second-half comeback attempt from #4 FIU to secure a 3-2 victory Saturday in the 2025 MSOC American Championship. The Owls, riding a two-game winning streak, withstood late pressure from the visiting Panthers before 161 spectators at a neutral site.
Nicolas Villalobos gave FIU an early advantage in the 54th minute, assisted by Johan Helan. The Panthers controlled the opening half and appeared positioned to upset the higher-seeded Owls. However, Florida Atlantic responded decisively before intermission, leveling the match through Mamadou Diarra's goal in the 80th minute off a Josh Ainge assist. Ethan Schumaker extended the Owls' lead moments later in the 84th minute, heading in a cross from Aboubacar Traore to make it 2-1 at halftime.
The second half belonged to Florida Atlantic's attacking prowess. Diarra struck again in the 69th minute, this time unassisted, to push the Owls ahead 3-1 and seemingly put the match out of reach. The goal came after FIU had made multiple substitutions attempting to shift momentum, including bringing back Johan Helan and introducing Diego Sanchez into the attack.
FIU refused to surrender, however. Sanchez converted in the 79th minute to cut the deficit to one goal, setting up a tense final stretch. The Panthers generated several dangerous chances in the closing minutes, including a corner kick opportunity in the 82nd minute where Sanchez's shot forced a save from Florida Atlantic goalkeeper Alfred Mikkelsen. Despite sustained pressure, FIU could not find the equalizer.
Florida Atlantic's defense, anchored by goalkeeper Mikkelsen's four saves, held firm when it mattered most. The Owls' corner kick advantage proved decisive—they earned six compared to FIU's three—and converted two of those set-piece opportunities into goals. FIU's Nigel Van Haveren made three saves but could not prevent the Owls' second-half onslaught.
Diarra emerged as the match's most impactful player, scoring twice and creating space throughout the second half. His movement in transition and positioning on set pieces proved too much for FIU's backline to manage consistently. Schumaker's aerial dominance also troubled the Panthers' defense, particularly on corner kicks where the Owls generated multiple scoring chances.
The match featured seven yellow cards, with Florida Atlantic receiving five to FIU's two, indicating a physical contest with several contentious moments. Fabrizio Cubeddu, Felipe Santos, Eli Conway, Aboubacar Traore, and Sebastian Zettl were cautioned for the Owls, while Alfonso Gilleard-Soriano and Owen Travis received yellows for the Panthers.
Florida Atlantic improved to 12-3-2 with the victory, maintaining its position among the nation's elite programs. FIU, which entered the match at 7-9-3, saw its recent momentum halted after consecutive tournament victories.