Creighton University Athletics
Thursday, August 20
Omaha, Neb.
6:00 PM
Creighton University
6
vs
2
Florida International
Photo by: Grant Griffin
Men's Soccer Delivers Decisive 6-2 Win Over FIU in Season Opener
8/20/2026 8:54:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Omaha, Neb. -- Creighton Men's Soccer opened the 2026 season in exciting fashion as a quartet of newcomers scored in the Bluejays' 6-2 win over Florida International on Thursday, Aug. 20. The win moved Creighton to 1-0 on the season, while the Panthers fell to 0-1.
The breakout star on Thursday was freshman Jordan Igwenma, scoring two goals in his collegiate debut. Joining Igwenma on the scoresheet was junior Angel Lopez, fifth-year transfer Allan Juarez, freshman Carter Tavares and sophomore Ayden Kokoszka.
A balanced offensive attack saw the Bluejays put three goals on the board in each half, taking a 3-0 lead in a the break. The Bluejays' trio of first half tallies came in under nine minutes as the former Creighton Prep standout Igwenma gave Creighton a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute (19:54) by completing a series of touches from Tavares and senior Matthew Reed. Moments later it was Tavares finishing a pass from senior Edward Morales to push the Jays ahead 2-0 in the 25th minute (24:58).Â
The third goal came in the 29th minute as Kokoszka launched a free kick past FIU goalkeeper Nigel Van Haveran from 20 yards out along the right side of the pitch.
Creighton's fourth goal of the night saw Lopez finish a series that stretched from the Creighton defensive end of the pitch as Ange Gbe sent a pass ahead to Tavares. The ball quickly found Lopez near the box for the first goal from the Iowa Western transfer with 67:43 on the clock.
After the Panthers got a goal from Santi Possu in the 72nd minute (71:32), Creighton responded with goals from Igwenma in the 83rd minute (82:42) and the Calfornia transfer Juarez in the 88th minute (87:05). FIU tacked on a goal in the final minute from Pasquale Capriati.Â
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Creighton returns to the pitch on Sunday, Aug. 23 as the Bluejays host Drake at 4:00 pm in Morrison Stadium.
The breakout star on Thursday was freshman Jordan Igwenma, scoring two goals in his collegiate debut. Joining Igwenma on the scoresheet was junior Angel Lopez, fifth-year transfer Allan Juarez, freshman Carter Tavares and sophomore Ayden Kokoszka.
A balanced offensive attack saw the Bluejays put three goals on the board in each half, taking a 3-0 lead in a the break. The Bluejays' trio of first half tallies came in under nine minutes as the former Creighton Prep standout Igwenma gave Creighton a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute (19:54) by completing a series of touches from Tavares and senior Matthew Reed. Moments later it was Tavares finishing a pass from senior Edward Morales to push the Jays ahead 2-0 in the 25th minute (24:58).Â
The third goal came in the 29th minute as Kokoszka launched a free kick past FIU goalkeeper Nigel Van Haveran from 20 yards out along the right side of the pitch.
Creighton's fourth goal of the night saw Lopez finish a series that stretched from the Creighton defensive end of the pitch as Ange Gbe sent a pass ahead to Tavares. The ball quickly found Lopez near the box for the first goal from the Iowa Western transfer with 67:43 on the clock.
After the Panthers got a goal from Santi Possu in the 72nd minute (71:32), Creighton responded with goals from Igwenma in the 83rd minute (82:42) and the Calfornia transfer Juarez in the 88th minute (87:05). FIU tacked on a goal in the final minute from Pasquale Capriati.Â
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Creighton returns to the pitch on Sunday, Aug. 23 as the Bluejays host Drake at 4:00 pm in Morrison Stadium.
Players Mentioned
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/ Men's SoccerFriday, August 21
Friday, August 21
Wednesday, August 19
Tuesday, August 18
