MIAMI - The FIU women's soccer team closed out its four-game homestand on arguably its best all-around performance of the season: a 5-1 victory versus ULM on Sunday afternoon. With the win, the Golden Panthers (6-5-3, 4-1-1) extended their unbeaten streak to five games and remain undefeated against the Warhawks (2-9-2, 1-4-0) in the overall series.
Sophomore forwards April Perry and Deana Rossi each scored two goals, becoming the first FIU pair since Michelle O'Brien and Sasja Odenyo on Oct. 19, 2001 (at UALR) to score multi goals in one game. The goals were the first for Rossi this season, and Perry now has scored four goals in the last three contests.
"I was just real hungry out there. I've been waiting to get my goals, so I'm just excited it finally came," Rossi said. "I think everyone as a team has stepped up a lot. We're doing better all over the field, especially attacking."
FIU outshot ULM 18-8 and had several scoring opportunities in addition to the five goals. The Golden Panthers almost scored with 21 minutes remaining in the half when Rossi crossed the ball from the right corner of the field to senior Amy Jackson directly in front of the goal, but Jackson's header was deflected by goalie Mallory George.
Roughly two minutes later, the Golden Panthers nearly scored again when Katrina Rose kicked the ball over ULM's line of defenders. Perry found the ball, dribbled in from the left side, but her shot sailed just high of the cross bar.
FIU took a 1-0 lead when Jessica Gambill dribbled between two defenders outside of the box and met the goalie head-to-head. At the last second, she crossed the ball to Rossi, who connected with the back of the net for the first time this season.
Perry continued her scoring streak to three games after receiving the ball from freshman Casey Thames at midfield. Perry dribbled inside the box and sailed the ball past the goalie with 11 minutes remaining in the half.
The Warhawks responded three minutes later when Amy Porch inserted the ball on a corner kick and Ashleigh Fitterer headed it in to decrease the lead, 2-1.
FIU went on to score three unanswered goals in the second half. Sophomore Cortney Bergin sent Rossi the ball for her first career assist as Rossi connected for her second goal of the game - a career high.
"I got to say, we're really happy to see Deana get on the board today. She's been working awfully hard and for her to get two is awesome," coach Thomas Chestnutt said. "The whole team effort was great throughout. You could talk about everybody. They really did a good job today."
With 11 minutes remaining, Rose crossed the ball to the left side of the field. Perry beat the goalie to the ball and stepped around her for a wide open look at goal, 4-1.
The Golden Panthers weren't done yet. Freshman Kelsey Rene came in off the bench and headed her first goal of the season off a corner kick from senior captain Marina Pappas with 4:30 remaining in the game.
FIU's season-high five goals was the first time since Oct. 13, 2006, that the Golden Panthers scored at least five times (6-0 win vs. Troy) in one game.
"As a team we're getting a lot more confident and gaining momentum. It's exciting to know we can do better and better each week, and that's all we hope to do."
Up next, the Golden Panthers travel to South Alabama on Friday at 8 p.m.
