Owls Crowned American Conference Champions

Saturday, November 15

Charlotte, N.C.

6 p.m.

Florida Atlantic

12-3-2, 5-1-2

FIU

7-9-3, 4-4-0

FIU

Fla. Atlantic

Photo by: Ben Solomon

11/15/2025 10:48:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Florida Atlantic men's soccer defeated FIU 3-2 on Saturday to capture the 2025 American Conference Postseason Tournament title. The victory is the program's second conference championship all-time and first since the 2007 Atlantic Soccer Championship.

The start of Saturday's Championship Final was ominous for the Owls. FIU scored the opening goal just three minutes in after a mad scramble inside the six-yard box. In the midst of it, goalkeeper Alfred Mikkelsen took a kick to the face. The officials went to video review but ultimately upheld the call on the field, ruling it no foul.

The FAU offense responded to tie the game in the 20th minute. Josh Ainge played a through ball to Mamadou Diarra. The two-time American Conference Offensive Player of the Year cut inside and connected on a thunderous strike past the FIU keeper.

Four minutes later, the Owls grabbed the lead for the first time, and they would not relinquish it. Ethan Schumaker headed home a corner kick from Aboubacar Traore to send Florida Atlantic into halftime with a 2-1 lead.

Diarra scored his second of the night in the 70th minute to double the lead. This time, it was Felipe Santos who played the striker into a dangerous area. Diarra found just enough space to fire off a left-footed strike from just outside the penalty area. The Owls led 3-1 with 20 minutes to go.

FIU scored in the 80th minute, but the Panthers would get no closer. The Owls held on for a thrilling 3-2 victory.

Diarra was named Offensive Player of the Tournament. Center back Fabrizio Cubeddu earned the Defensive Player of the Tournament award.

Mamadou Diarra and the Florida Atlantic Owls poured it all out on the field and now they are champions 🏆💙#BuiltToRise x #AmericanMSOC pic.twitter.com/2tDFVxthee
— The American (@American_Conf) November 16, 2025

Caught up with @joeyworthen at today's welcome home rally #WIP🏝️ pic.twitter.com/bahFnhdXM0
— Florida Atlantic Men's Soccer (@FAUMSoccer) November 16, 2025

The Owls have now earned an automatic berth in the NCAA National Championship First Round. They will learn their next opponent when the bracket is announced on Monday, November 17, at 1 p.m.

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