FIU soccer team reaches Sweet 16 after beating New Hampshire in 12 rounds of PKs
The Florida International University men’s soccer team made its way back to the Sweet 16 for the first time in nearly two decades, but the Panthers had to survive sheets of rain and a tense, 12-round penalty shootout to get there.
Tenth-ranked FIU booked its ticket to the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 16 on Sunday night, outlasting No. 19 University of New Hampshire 10-9 from the spot after a thrilling and wet 2-2 draw at FIU Soccer Stadium.
Panthers centerback Carlos Scheckermann delivered the decisive penalty in the second-round game that was delayed two hours due to inclement weather, firing a hard shot past Wildcats goalkeeper Jassem Koleilat to send FIU back to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2003.
“This game had more like a Sweet 16, Elite 8 feel type of game to it, so [I am] proud that the boys dug deep and kept their heads up,” FIU coach Kyle Russell said. “I think all of Panther nation should be proud because I know I am. … It is very exciting right now to be a part of FIU men’s soccer.”
The dramatic penalty kicks started with both goalkeepers making saves. Backup FIU shot-stopper Matt Levy, who replaced starter Kevin Harr for the shootout, first denied UNH defender Moise Bombito before Koleilat blocked Panthers forward Rasmus Tobinski’s attempt.
Each team went on to score their next eight penalties, some despite near saves. Levy then started the 10th round by denying New Hampshire attacker Johann von Knebel, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Panthers midfielder Matteo Gasperoni stepped up next with a chance to win it, but he was denied by a great kick save from Koleilat.
Both sides made their next attempts before the decisive 12th round, which saw Wildcats defender Edgar Agular shoot wide left of goal before Scheckermann fired the decisive attempt home despite Koleilat getting a hand to the ball.
“When I saw the ball hit the back of the net, it was an amazing feeling,” Scheckermann said. “Just happy for the team.”
FIU came within two minutes of avoiding penalty kicks, but an extra-time free kick golazo from Rory O’Driscoll from left-center pulled New Hampshire level. The strike canceled out an own goal from teammate Chris Pinkman, who accidentally bundled a low cross into the Wildcats net at the 4:37 mark in the first period of extra time.
O’Driscoll had also negated the Panthers’ opener, whipping in a corner kick from the left that went untouched and bounced into the back of the net about 10 minutes into the second half.
The Panthers’ opener came via Tobinski at the 31:15 mark of the opening stanza. The striker thundered home a one-timed finish at the doorstep following a low ball played in by Philip Hildebrandt, bringing the fans to their feet as Bad Bunny’s Despues De La Playa blared over the stadium speakers.
FIU will next travel to play Duke in an afternoon matinee on Sunday. Kickoff for the match that could push the Panthers to the Elite Eight is set for 1 pm ET.
“We are excited for the opportunity, we are excited to go,” Russell said. “We have a whole week to prepare, and it just makes Thanksgiving that much sweeter.”
This story was originally published November 21, 2022 at 1:25 AM.