The FIU women's soccer team dropped to 0-4 in conference play after losing 3-0 the Pioneers of Denver University (5-3-3; 2-1-1).

In a match that for the most part was dominated by defense, an early FIU mistake put the Golden Panthers (2-6-1; 0-4-0) in a hole they couldn't climb out of.

"Denver presented a new challenge for us today," said FIU head coach Thomas Chestnutt. "Unfortunately we weren't able to solve it."

The Pioneers took the lead in the 14^th minute when a mistake by senior defender Kristin Hurst (Miami, Fla.) put the ball in her own net for an own goal and 1-0 DU lead.

Marina Pappas (Lancaster, Pa.) nearly tied the score for the Golden Panthers when she took a wide open shot in front of the net, but the ball sailed wide right.

Defense would dominate the rest of the half, as neither team had any real scoring threats.

FIU's best scoring opportunity came in the 74^th minute when a free kick by Marina Pappas bounced off the crossbar. Amy Jackson (Melbourne, Australia) controlled the rebound and fired another dangerous shot, but the DU keeper, Mackenzie Snyder turned it away.

The Pioneers would make the score 2-0 in the 88^th minute when Sarah Martinez set up Mariah Johnston for her first score of the season.

DU would add another goal 74 seconds later as Carrie Blankenbuhler picked up her first score of the year.

"DU was just a better side for 90 minutes today," added Chestnutt. "I give them all the credit."