FGCU forward Job Choute (26) controls the ball during the Eagles’ match against Florida Atlantic. (Photo Courtesy of Addy Schafer / FGCU Athletics)

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Florida Gulf Coast University men’s soccer team (4-5-3) concluded its nonconference schedule with a 1-1 draw against American Conference rival Florida Atlantic University (3-1-6) on Tuesday at Pickering Field.

Prior to the match, FGCU held Senior Night ceremonies, honoring midfielder Brian Lopez, midfielder Jai Sahni, and goalkeeper Eduard Garcia.

The Eagles and Owls remained locked in a scoreless defensive battle until late in the contest. FGCU thought it had secured the victory in the 87th minute when Sahni fired a shot deflected out by an Owl defender, setting up Emilio Rossi to drive a corner kick straight to the head of Hugo Munter, who angled the header into the back of the net to break the deadlock.

However, the Owls responded with just 37 seconds left in the match when Kevin Gorbell sent a cross into a crowded six-yard box. The ball bounced around until Enzo Rabot collected it, firing home his first career goal to salvage a 1-1 draw.

The result marks FGCU’s first positive outcome against its cross-state rivals since 2022, snapping a three-game skid and recording just the third tie all-time between the programs—and the first since 2020.

Both teams finished with 16 total shots, though FAU held a 6-5 edge in shots on goal. FGCU finished with a 7-5 advantage in corner kicks, with five coming in the second half. Making his debut in goal for the Eagles, Harvey Sellers recorded five saves, while FAU’s Alfred Mikkelsen stopped four shots.

The Eagles now turn their focus back to ASUN action, wrapping up their four-game homestand against Lipscomb on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.