LAKELAND, Fla. -- SEU Men's Soccer continues its pivotal stretch in Sun Conference play with a pair of matches this week, beginning Thursday night at 7 p.m. with a championship rematch against SCAD-Savannah at the SEU Soccer Field. The Fire and Bees last met in the 2024 Sun Conference Tournament Final, where Southeastern claimed the crown in penalty kicks — setting the stage for another emotionally charged contest between two postseason-caliber programs.
The Fire then hit the road for a Saturday 3 p.m. showdown at Webber International in Babson Park, their first meeting since SEU's overtime victory in last year's conference tournament quarterfinals.
Fans can catch every moment live through the Urban Edge Network app, available on Smart TVs and mobile devices, or stream online at
fire.seu.edu/watchUEN. Live stats for both matches will be available at
fire.seu.edu/sidearmstats/msoc/summary for real-time updates throughout the week.
Burning Balance: About Southeastern
Southeastern enters the week with a 3-3-3 overall record and a 1-0-1 start in Sun Conference play, showing steady progress as the Fire continue to find their stride midway through the season. SEU has thrived on the road with a 3-1-1 mark while still seeking its first home victory, having battled through a challenging early schedule. The team's balance on both ends of the field has produced a .500 overall winning percentage and a .750 mark in conference play, backed by a two-match unbeaten streak that has the Fire trending upward entering this week's homestand.
Statistically, the Fire rank among the Sun Conference's most well-rounded sides — fifth in goals per game (2.11) and fourth in assists (1.67), while maintaining a .512 shots-on-goal percentage. Southeastern also sits fourth in total shots (13.44) and shots on goal (6.89) per match, demonstrating a consistent offensive presence. On the defensive side, SEU holds opponents to 1.44 goals per game and ranks in the top five in both saves (4.11) and save percentage (.740). The balance between sharp attacking play and composed defending has made the Fire a dangerous and resilient opponent across the conference.
Safe Hands
In goal,
Noah Murray-Hawkins has been the Fire's steady anchor, starting eight matches and recording a 1.17 goals-against average and .731 save percentage with two shutouts on the season. Calm under pressure and commanding in the box, Murray-Hawkins has provided consistency and confidence to Southeastern's back line, helping the Fire stay composed in tight matches and high-pressure situations.
Electric Finisher
Leading the charge up front,
Jman Dieng continues to be a spark plug for the Fire attack with five goals and two assists through nine matches. The veteran striker combines speed, precision, and timing, often finding himself in the right place at the right moment. His team-high 12 points and ability to convert more than half his shots on target make him one of the Sun Conference's most feared scorers.
The Maestro
The Fire's creative heartbeat,
Guilherme Viserta, orchestrates play from midfield with intelligence and flair. Ranking among the league leaders with six assists, Viserta thrives on setting up teammates through quick combinations and sharp vision in the attacking third. His distribution and composure in possession keep the Fire offense flowing, dictating the tempo and providing the spark behind many SEU scoring sequences.
Precision Punch
With three goals and an assist this season,
Fabio De Paula has been Southeastern's reliable finisher in clutch moments. His .600 shots-on-goal rate underscores his efficiency, while his knack for finding space inside the box keeps defenders on edge. De Paula's blend of poise and power has made him a consistent offensive threat capable of changing a game with one strike.
The Buzz in the Hive
SCAD-Savannah enters Thursday's rematch with a 3-4-3 overall record and a 2-0 mark in Sun Conference play, fueled by a pair of recent wins over Webber International and Warner. The Bees are led by Mario Goic, one of the conference's top scorers with seven goals and three assists, and Sebastian Gomez, who adds four goals to the attack.
Thursday marks the 22nd all-time meeting between Southeastern and SCAD-Savannah, one of the most evenly matched rivalries in the Sun Conference. SEU holds a 10-7-4 edge, though the all-time goals are deadlocked at 37-37. The Fire are unbeaten in the last nine against the Bees, going 6-0-3 over the stretch highlighted by last year's Sun Conference Championship victory in PKs.
Warriors Await
Webber International enters Saturday's match at 3-8-1 overall and 0-3 in Sun Conference play, looking to regain footing after a tough start. The Warriors feature multiple offensive weapons, including Jesus Perez (4 goals), Miguel da Silva (3 goals, 2 assists), and Tyler Keating (3 goals), giving them scoring balance across the front line.
The Fire and Warriors share a long history dating back to 2002, with Southeastern holding a 13-7-2 all-time advantage. SEU has dominated recent matchups, going 8-1-1 in the last ten and unbeaten in seven straight (6-0-1). Last season's meetings saw SEU earn a 0-0 draw in the regular season before a thrilling 2-1 overtime win in the Sun Conference quarterfinals.
Looking Ahead
Following this week's slate, Southeastern returns home on Wednesday, October 15, to face Keiser University at 7 p.m. in Lakeland.
SEU then travels to Sarasota for a Saturday, October 18 clash with New College of Florida at 1 p.m.
