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Sunday, September 2, 2001
Penalty kick sinks FIU in
season opener, 1-0
 he
University of South Florida's Brian Mullins' penalty kick
goal in the 60th minute of play was the match's only score as
the Bulls (2-0) spoiled the season opener for FIU (0-1).
The Golden Panthers had a chance to take an early lead two
minutes into the game but Russell Vreeland's penalty kick
was turned away by USF goalkeeper Troy Perkins, one of his nine
saves on the evening.
After playing 21 consecutive matches without a shutout, USF
has now started the 2001 campaign with a pair of 1-0 wins.
Golden Panthers goalkeeper Franklyn Rubio tallied two
saves in the match and FIU nearly doubled USF's shot output,
13-7.
"I was very happy with our defensive effort, but tonight
we were up against a very hot goalkeeper," said FIU head
coach Karl Kremser. "But overall, this was a game
we should have won."
The Golden Panthers were also plagued by injuries as midfielders
Conor Collins (left oblique) saw limited action and Ben
Tocco (right ankle) didn't play.
FIU must regroup in a hurry as the team travels to Greenville,
SC next weekend for matches against ranked opponents Clemson
(No. 6) on Friday and Furman (No. 5) next Sunday. |