Monday, October 7, 2002

Gil honored as ASC Player of the Week

ophomore forward Oscar Gil was named the Atlantic Soccer Conference Player of the Week as announced by the conference office today.

Gil came off the bench to spark the Golden Panther offense in FIU's victory over Barry on Sunday. The Royal Palm Beach, Fla., native assisted on Matias Asorey's game-winning goal in the 45th minute and sealed the game for FIU in the 85th minute when he put away a one-on-one with the Bucaneers' goalkeeper.

The 5-9 Gil currently ranks fifth in the ASC with eight total points on three goals and two assists. A transfer from Lynn University, it is his first weekly honor as a Golden Panther.

Despite outshooting the Bucs 20-6, the Golden Panthers had difficulty scoring until Matias Asorey nailed a cross from Oscar Gil with 13 seconds remaining in the first half. Gil sealed the game for FIU in the 85th minute when he took advantage of a defensive miscue by Barry and came away victorious in a one-on-one with Buc goalkeeper Ron Goguen.

The Golden Panthers dominated play and dictated the pace of the game with strong play in the midfield. FIU's defensive unit consisting of stopper Adam Wilson, sweeper Mark Stephenson and outside backs Anthony Louissaint and Allen Handy stifled a Barry offense that came into the contest averaging almost three goals per game. FIU goalkeeper Roy Rosenberg needed to make only one save to ensure the shut out.

Barry, currently ranked No. 4 in NCAA Division II, fell to 8-1-1 on the year while the Golden Panthers improved to 5-4-0.

FIU opens Atlantic Soccer Conference play next Friday at 7:00 pm when the Golden Panthers host Oneonta State.