For the first time since the 2000 season, the FIU women’s soccer team has opened up Sun Belt Conference play with a pair of wins, following a 2-1 victory over Western Kentucky on Sunday afternoon at University Park. Photo by Danny Kambel

Box Score

MIAMI – For the first time since the 2000 season, the FIU women’s soccer team has opened up Sun Belt Conference play with a pair of wins, following a 2-1 victory over Western Kentucky on Sunday afternoon at University Park.

With the win, the Golden Panthers are now 4-6 on the season, plus 2-0 in the Sun Belt Conference. With the defeat, the Hilltoppers drop to 5-5 and 0-1 in the conference.

FIU took an early lead, 39 seconds into the match, when a shot by junior Chanelle Crosby from near the far left sideline that got caught up in the wind blowing to the upper right corner for a Golden Panther goal over the head of the WKU keeper. With the tally, the last four goals scored by FIU have been the first in the career for each individual.

The Golden Panthers’ Valerie Patrick fired a shot off a rebound on her own shot in the 21st minute to give FIU a 2-0 lead.

In the 42nd minute, the Hilltoppers’ Allison Nellis fired a shot on what appeared to be an empty net but FIU pre-season all-conference defender Megan Meade alertly knocked the ball away from the box.

In the second half, the two teams exchanged shots until rain made its presence in the 67th minute. The rain caused sloppy conditions for the next 15 minutes as the two teams played in the downpour.

FIU’s Tamara Kochen looked to extend the Golden Panther lead in the 63rd minute; however, WKU defender Crystal Chapon deflected the ball to force a corner kick.

WKU averted the shutout when the Hilltoppers’ Ceci Shell got ahead of the FIU defense for a goal with four-seconds remaining in the contest.

Next, FIU returns to the road to face South Alabama and Louisiana Lafayette, next Friday and Sunday, respectively.