PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. (Aug. 25, 2022) – Florida National's men's soccer team displayed another excellent performance against Florida Memorial following its season-opening victory against the Lions on August 18. The Conquistadors' 2-1 victory signaled the first road win for head coach Ruy Da Silva this season.
The NAIA preseason top-25 ranked Conquistadors faced adversity early in the contest, as both teams failed to score a goal in the opening half. FNU goalkeeper Victor Ruiz made a crucial save on a penalty kick by FMU's Johan Godoy at the 37-minute mark to keep the match at a standstill.
Florida National was the first team to break the draw with a spirited goal from Martin Marijuan on an assist by Artur Palmeira. FMU answered back with an equalizing goal by Steve Jean-Pierre in the 83-minutes of the match.
But FNU did not hang their heads in defeat. The Conquistadors rallied and strung together a storybook end to their night with a game-clinching goal by Santiago Leaniz at the 87-minute mark on an assist by Marijuan. FNU ended the night with 14 shots and four corner kicks.
Coach Da Silva's take: "I was happy to see my team stick to their identity and style of play in the face of adversity," Da Silva said. "FMU came out tonight with a lot of tenacity and played a great game."
Up Next: The Conquistadors return home to Milander Park as they host Warner University August 31 at 5 p.m.
