Boca Raton, Fla. ? Florida Atlantic scored once in the first half and then added two late goals in the final five minutes to defeat Florida International, 3-0, Sun Belt Conference women's soccer action Friday evening in Boca Raton, Fla.

The loss eliminates the Golden Panthers (5-12-0, 3-8-0 Sun Belt) from Sun Belt Conference tournament contention, as FIU would have needed a win plus a UALR loss or tie tomorrow, or a win and a UALR loss, in order to secure the conference's eighth and final tournament spot.

Tessa McGarrity opened the scoring for the Owls (10-7-2, 7-4 Sun Belt) in the 26th minute, receiving a pass from Susanna Lehtinen who had beaten two defenders and pulled the goalie out before dishing the ball to McGarrity.

The game remained 1-0 until McGarrity captured her second in the 86th minute. Meredith White and Devon Romak each assisted on the goal. Christina Chang capped the scoring with an 88th minute penalty kick after she was fouled in the box.

Junior Madeline Gannon (Ft. Myers, Fla.) made three saves for the Golden Panthers. Senior Valerie Patrick (Littleton, Colo.) had both of FIU's two shots in the match, including a header which had to be cleared off the line by Owl midfielder Natalie D'Oria just before halftime.