Fisher Scores, But FIU Falls In Season Finale

11/7/08

In what proved to be his last match as a Golden Panther, senior defender Phillip Fisher scored his third goal of the season but it wasn't enough as FIU fell 2-1 to SMU. The loss, coupled with a win by UAB spells the end for FIU's 2008 campaign. Last season FIU upset then No.5 SMU in the first round of the Conference USA Championship Tournament. On Friday night SMU returned the favor as they made sure FIU won't even have a chance at another Cinderella story.



Needing at least a tie to secure a spot in the C-USA Championship Tournament, the Golden Panthers got off to a 1-0 lead when Fisher scored his third career goal in the 17th minute. After Diego Tamburus played a ball in from the right side, Fisher volleyed the ball into the back of the net for the early Golden Panther lead.



The FIU lead would be short-lived as the Mustangs retaliated in the 19th minute with a score of their own. Kekoa Osorio sent a cross into the box and Leone Cruz was there to head in the equalizer.



The score remained tied going into the break, but unfortunately for FIU the final score was yet to be decided.



Exactly 10 minutes into the second stanza, the Mustangs delivered a devastating blow to FIU's tournament hopes as Jeff Hartwell gave SMU their first lead.



FIU's hopes for a comeback were dealt yet another crippling shot when Dane Smith was issued a red card in the 58th minute, ending his night and his season early. After two yellow cards were issued in the first half, seven cards were issued in the second half.



The most damaging of all the cards issued came in the 87th minute. With FIU's back against the wall, and the Golden Panther offense coming alive, all momentum was lost when Steven Jair Cabas was sent off after an aggressive tackle.



SMU's Daniel Lopez was sent off a minute later, but it wouldn't matter as SMU held on for the win.



FIU's season ends with a disappointing 4-11-2 record, including a 2-6 conference record.