MIAMI, Fla. – The Florida Gulf Coast University men's soccer team used a goal from Cristian Raudales off a penalty kick to open up the 2009 campaign with a 1-0 win at FIU on Tuesday night.

The Eagles improve to 1-0-0 overall, while the Golden Panthers fall to 0-1-1. With the win FGCU picked up its first victory over FIU (FIU still leads the all-time series 2-1).

“Tonight’s game was a good early test for us,” said head coach Bob Butehorn. “FIU is a tough team to beat on the road, especially in their home opener. Everyone on the team contributed including our bench which provided valuable minutes.”

FIU came out firing early, recording the first shot of the match in the third minute and allowing Matthew Smith (Cape Canaveral, Fla.) to register his first save on the night.

In a tightly contested first half, the Eagles were able to keep the game at 0-0 heading into the intermission.

In the second half FGCU got on the board, scoring the game's only goal when Raudales (Bradenton, Fla.) knocked in a goal off a penalty kick in the 68th minute.

In a match that saw three red cards and two yellow cards, The Eagles were able to tally 15 shots with eight shots on goal and four corners. Smith finished the night with four saves.

The Golden Panthers recorded 13 shots, four on goal and took seven corners.

The Eagles will be back in action against this Saturday as they try to “White Out” the No.11 USF Bulls in the 2009 home opener at the FGCU Soccer Complex. Game time is scheduled for 7:00pm and the first 150 fans in attendance will receive free white t-shirts.