Late surge lifts FIU over UCF

10/8/08

Despite trailing 1-0 for most of the match due to an early miscue, the Golden Panthers scored twice in the final 12 minutes to hand the Knights of UCF their first Conference USA loss of the season by the score of 2-1, Wednesday night in Orlando.

FIU fell behind in the 13th minute when they literally handed UCF a lead with an own goal. The Golden Panthers out-shot the Knights 3-1 in the first half and freshman keeper Jesse Fullerton made three saves in the opening stanza too keep FIU within striking distance.

In the 78th minute, C-USA preseason Offensive Player of the Year Juan Guerra scored his fifth goal of the season to tie the score at one.

With less than a minute left in regulation, it looked like FIU was headed for its fourth overtime contest of the season. However, Christian Caporaletti had other plans. In the 89th minute, the junior striker netted his first goal of the season to give the Golden Panthers a 2-1 lead and their first conference win of the season.

The win moves FIU's record to 2-6-2 on the season and 1-1-0 in conference play. UCF falls to 5-5-0 and 2-1-0 inside the conference.

The Golden Panthers are in action again this Sunday, October 12 as they come home to host Memphis at 1 p.m. in University Park.