The FIU women's soccer team closed out its 2007 campaign with a loss to in-state rival Florida Atlantic, Friday night at University Park.

As the Golden Panthers said goodbye to six seniors, two second half goals by the Owls sent FIU to their second straight loss.

Departing seniors Madeline Gannon (Ft. Myers, Fla.) and Jessica Vaccaro (Miami, Fla.) combined to total 12 saves. Gannon, who started the match in goal, played 70 minutes and notched nine saves before giving way to Vaccaro who picked up three.

"They're a great group," said head coach Thomas Chestnutt after the match. "Six girls that hopefully will go on to do great things in their lives."

Gannon's great play in goal negated a consistent FAU attack as neither team was able to find the back of the net in the first half.

The second half, however, would be a different story as FAU struck early. Susanna Lehtinen fired a shot that was turned away by Gannon, but the senior couldn't control the rebound and Lethinen pounded it in for a 1-0 lead in the 48^th minute.

In the 58^th minute, Marina Pappas (Lancaster, Pa.) had a scoring opportunity when she took a dangerous shot that sailed wide, keeping the Golden Panthers off the board.

The Owls would pick up their second score in the 74^th minute on a Janeke Simpkins goal from just outside the penalty area.

On senior night, freshman forward Claudia Cardenas (Visalia, Calif.) gave fans a glimpse of the future with several plays where she beat multiple defenders, including one in the 88^th minute that nearly cut the lead in half.

"Next season starts right now," said Chestnutt. "I think you'll see a big difference at this time next year."

The Golden Panthers finish the season at 3-11-3 (1-8-2 SBC) and the Owls improved to 9-7-2 (6-4-1 SBC).