BGSU men’s soccer took on the No. 13 ranked Florida International Panthers last night at Cochrane Stadium on alumni night. Coming off a Tuesday night win over Wright State, the Falcons were full of confidence going up against their ranked foe.

Friday night’s game had a feeling of control throughout the entire game for the Falcons. Despite not scoring in the first half, the Falcons were able to outshoot the Panthers 9-3, keeping the pressure on their defense the entire half.

“We really wanted those chances,” Coach Eric Nichols said. “We wish we could have been up 1-0, 2-0, but we felt that as long as we felt locked in during every moment, we would eventually get what we deserved.”

Early in the second half, senior midfielder Sergi Martinez scored his third goal of the season to give the Falcons the lead. Midway through, senior forward Roberto Fernandez Garrido added another goal to give the Falcons the 2-0 lead, and ultimately the win.

Junior goalkeeper Logan Kowalcyzk made two saves to earn his fifth shutout in seven games this season.

“It was important that we stay focused and understand that it was just us and them,” Martinez said. “…When you get into the rhythm and get that first goal,  it hypes you… They were fantastic, but I have to congratulate my team.”

The win was also a special accolade for Nichols, as he earned his 100th victory as head coach of the Falcons. 

With the win, the Falcons are 5-1-1 on the year, while the Panthers suffered their first loss, dropping to 4-1-1.

The Falcons will be back home at Cochrane on Tuesday night to take on Detroit Mercy for the Meserve Cup.