MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (Aug. 27, 2024) - Florida National's No. 21-ranked men's soccer team (0-1-0) had no answer for the NAIA's No. 3 St. Thomas University Bobcats (1-0-0), losing 2-0 in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Bobcats posted all their goals in the second half, dominating the pace and tempo for most of the final period.

STU recorded six shots in the opening half, fending off an impressive FNU squad that launched five attempts at a goal in the same time frame. The Bobcats patiently pressed FNU's back line in the early minutes, forcing four corner kicks under the setting sun at AutoNation Field. The Conquistadors' best look of the period came off the foot of Luis Martinez in the 35th minute, as the Colombian forward challenged STU's goalkeeper Rodrigo de la Terga but pelted a shot wide right of the goal.

Both teams were formidable in the midfield, waiting for opportunities to develop through timely cross-field passes or defensive errors. Despite these effective tactics, STU and FNU left the field for halftime in a scoreless deadlock. 

However, the second period proved to be a different story for the Bobcats, as they blew the game open on a goal from Nick In't Zand. This sent STU's team into a celebratory huddle at the nearest corner flag. Graduate student?? Guido Cacciabue was credited with the first STU assist of the young 2024 season and FNU quickly resumed play at center field to level the game once again.

STU continued to harass FNU's defenders, eventually breaking through with its second goal of the afternoon after a touch pass from Teo Rondon led to a score from freshman Francisco Tolaba with 71:46 on the clock. The deficit did not deter Florida National, as the Conquistadors racked up four corner kicks after the Tolaba stunner. Sophomore Juan Pugin had two shot attempts blocked and de la Terga picked up a save on Christian Omar Hernandez in the closing minutes of STU's victory.

This marks FNU's third straight loss to the Bobcats, and STU improved to 7-3-3 overall against the Conquistadors.

Up Next: FNU looks to get one in the win column Aug. 31 as they host NCCAA powerhouse Fort Lauderdale at 7:30 p.m.