LAKELAND, Fla. -- The SEU Men's Soccer team returns home this weekend, looking to bounce back and defend their home turf as the Fire host Florida National on Saturday, September 6, at 5 p.m. at the SEU Soccer Field.
The Fire enter the matchup at 2-1-1 overall and are still in search of their first home victory after opening 0-1-1 in Lakeland. Florida National (1-0-2) comes in unbeaten through three matches and riding the momentum of its first win of the season.
Statistically, this matchup sets up as a battle between two potent attacks. SEU averages 3.00 goals per game — third in the Sun Conference — while FNU is close behind at 2.67 goals per match. The Fire also hold a slight edge in volume, averaging 15.75 shots per contest to FNU's 13.67, while both teams are highly efficient in front of goal. However, Florida National's .615 save percentage could make finishing chances even more important in Saturday's clash.
How to Follow
Fans can catch Saturday's match live on the Urban Edge Network and the Sun Digital Network, offering multiple ways to tune in from anywhere. Real-time stats and play-by-play coverage will also be available throughout the match to keep supporters connected.
Fire in the Rankings
SEU's offense has been one of the most productive in the Sun Conference to start the season. The Fire rank third in goals per game (3.00), second in assists per contest (2.50), and second in total points per match (8.50). They're also second in the league in shots per game (15.75), showcasing their ability to create consistent scoring opportunities and keep opposing defenses under pressure.
Defensively, SEU has also stood tall, sitting fourth in goals-against average (1.25) despite facing quality attacks early in the season. With a balanced combination of efficient scoring and steady defending, the Fire have established themselves as a team capable of contending at the top of the Sun Conference standings.
Dieng Things Up
When the Fire need a breakthrough,
Jman Dieng has delivered. The sophomore striker leads SEU with three goals and two assists, tying him for second in the Sun Conference in goals and third in points (8). His ability to stretch defenses vertically and finish in tight spaces has made him one of the league's most dangerous scorers.
Viserta Vision
The Fire's creative spark comes from
Guilherme Viserta, whose precision passing has powered SEU's attack. The junior leads the Sun Conference with six assists, averaging 1.5 per match, while also pacing the league in total shots (19). Viserta's ability to dictate tempo and create chances has made him the engine of Southeastern's offense.
Dynamic Duo
Together, Dieng and Viserta have combined for 14 points in four games, giving SEU one of the most explosive duos in the league. Viserta's playmaking vision and Dieng's scoring touch have fueled the Fire's offensive surge and will be key against an FNU back line allowing 1.67 goals per match.
The Wall
Noah Murray-Hawkins has anchored the Fire defense with consistency and composure. The sophomore goalkeeper holds a 0.50 goals-against average, ranking third in the Sun Conference, and has been a steady presence in goal during SEU's strong start.
Supporting Cast on the Rise
Southeastern's depth has been critical through the early stretch of the season.
Fabio De Paula and
Carson Cajuste have each chipped in with two goals apiece, while
Miguel Londono,
Adam Cooil,
Tapiwa Kufakurowa, and
Ethan Otto each have one goal. With 10 different Fire players recording at least one point, SEU's versatility keeps opponents guessing and stretches defenses thin.
Conquistador Clash
Florida National enters Saturday's match 1-0-2 overall, unbeaten through three contests, and fresh off a 4-1 victory over Ave Maria. The Conquistadors are averaging 2.67 goals per game while firing off 13.7 shots per match, making them a dangerous attacking side. Senior forward David Luque Rivero leads the team with three goals and one assist, while midfielder Juan Pugin has added three assists and a goal, making him another key playmaker to watch
Southeastern holds the edge in the all-time series at 3-1-1, including a 4-0 home win in the most recent meeting back in 2022. The Fire are unbeaten in four of the five matchups between these programs and have scored 13 goals (2.6 per match) against FNU while conceding just eight. Saturday's game marks the first meeting between these sides since that dominant victory, and SEU will aim to continue its success against the Conquistadors.
Looking Ahead
Following Saturday's home matchup, Southeastern hits the road for a pair of challenging non-conference contests. The Fire will travel to Temple Terrace on Thursday, September 11, for a 4 p.m. clash with Florida College before heading to Lawrenceville, Ga., on Saturday, September 13, for a 1 p.m. showdown against Georgia Gwinnett College.
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