FIU 1, WKU 1

FIU's women's soccer team battled to a 1-1 tie against previously undefeated Western Kentucky Sunday afternoon at University Park.

"The girls really stepped up this weekend and they know the conference is what counts," said Head Coach Thomas Chestnutt. "They battled and worked hard both games and I'm really happy for them."

After a scoreless first half that included an incredible diving save by freshman Melanie Raimo (Tampa, Fla.) on a header by WKU, FIU took the lead on a goal by freshman Katrina Rose (Weston, Fla.) from just outside the six yard box.

WKU tallied the equalizer in the 81st minute when Megan Meinke scored on a header off of a cross from Rachel Friedman.

FIU had multiple second half chances to extend their lead but were unable to capitalize. In the 61st minute, freshman Deana Rossi (New Port Richey, Fla.) had her shot sail wide, the ball was played back into the box and the shot by Rose was saved by a WKU defender inside the six yard box.

The Golden Panthers thwarted a late WKU chance in the 87th minute when Raimo made another diving save on a header by the Hilltopper Amanda Buechel. "We played some really difficult teams in our non-conference schedule and I think it has helped us in the long run," said Raimo. "We just played hard today, took some risks, and it paid off."

In the first overtime, FIU's Claudia Cardenas (Visalia, Calif.), had a great opportunity but her shot sailed just wide left. Then, less than three minutes into the second overtime, WKU's Kaylyn Pratt's shot sailed over Raimo's hands, the left post and bounced away harmlessly.

"We were much more aggressive with the 50-50 balls and it gave us an advantage against a bigger team," said Maria Gualdron (Miami, Fla.). "We played hard and I think it showed."  Sophomore Linn Thune agreed, "We played really well and were able to compete against a pretty physical team. We were a good match and we definitely shut them down when we had to."

The Golden Panthers will hit the road to take on Denver, October 3rd at 4 p.m., and North Texas, October 5th at 2 p.m.