HIALEAH, Fla. ( Oct. 20, 2023) – Florida National University men’s soccer earned its tenth win of the 2023 season, with a dominant 6-0 rout of the Johnson University Suns. Last season on Oct. 5, the Suns forced a 3-3 tie after the Conquistador took a 2-0 lead early in the contest. But FNU did not take their foot off the gas this time around, taking a commanding 4-0 lead after the first half to ice out the Suns at Milander Park.
FNU’s Tomas Barrancos opened scoring for the Conquistadors following a putback off a header by Marcos Bakale that hit the crossbar and fell at the waiting feet of Barrancos. Set pieces were essential to FNU’s victory, as Bakale’s corner kick five minutes into the contest set up a strong header from defender Ricardo Delwing.
At the 28th-minute mark, FNU substitute Facundo Jose Terra executed an olimpico off a corner kick on the right side of the pitch. This unassisted stunner from the corner made a 3-0 affair with FNU recording 29 shots in just the first half. A foul from Johnson in the penalty box allowed forward Luis Martinez to pelt in FNU’s fourth goal of the afternoon with just four minutes left on the clock. Both teams headed for halftime with FNU recording nine corner kicks, while the Suns’ goalie, Pedro Barbosa, managed to put up 10 saves in the first half.
When play resumed, Nicolas Martinez was taken down in the penalty area by Pedro Calvo and went on to skillfully shoot in the second penalty goal of the afternoon. Delwing’s ability to get in the air and make contact with the ball was on full display as the former CAC Newcomer of the Year picked up another goal off a corner kicker from Caio Alves to make it a 6-0 affair after the 74th minute.
Florida National put up an astounding 46 shots while the Suns had just four. The Conquistadors attempted 13 corner kicks and Vitor Caetano Pedrosa recorded one save.
Up Next: Florida National has one more game before the CAC Tournament. The Conquistadors head to Miami Shores, Fla., for a 7 p.m. contest against Barry University on Nov. 2.
