DELAND, Fla. (Aug 19, 2011) - Despite gaining an early lead in the match, the FIU Panthers (0-1) dropped a 2-1 decision to the Stetson Hatters (1-0) on Friday night. A late goal doomed the Panthers as Kelly Ann Hutchinson netted the only score for the Panthers.
FIU got out to a fast start, scoring in the fifth minute when Hutchinson tapped in a rebound off the Stetson keeper. The Panthers continued to supply the pressure, recording the next seven shots but could not find the back of the net for the rest of the contest.
Coming out of the half, the Panthers continued to out-shoot the Hatters, recording three shots on goal within a five minute span. The momentum finally swung for the home team in the 64th minute when an FIU foul resulted in a penalty kick for Stetson. Alexis Hermosa was able to convert the equalizer, ending nearly an hour of scoreless play.
Then with time winding down in the 89th minute, Hermosa capitalized on a deflected pass to score the game-winner, her second goal of the contest.
"We just couldn't finish tonight," Head Coach Thomas Chestnutt said. "Sometimes, that's the way it goes."
FIU out-shot Stetson by a 22-8 margin, however the Hatters were able to place six of their shots on goal.
Seventeen Panthers saw action in the match as four freshmen were penciled in the starting lineup. Kaitlyn Savage played all 90 minutes between the posts and recorded four saves.
Sophomores Nicole DiPerna and Chelsea Leiva led the charge offensively for the Panthers, registering six and five shots, respectively.
FIU will return home to face No. 9 Florida on Sunday, Aug. 21. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. Fans in attendance for Sunday's game will receive a free poster of the 2011 squad and the team will be available for a post-game autograph session. For ticket information, call the FIU Ticket Office at (305) FIU-GAME or log onto www.FIUSports.com.
About FIU Athletics: FIU Athletics is home to more than 400 student-athletes in 17 different sports, and is a proud member of the Sun Belt Conference and an affiliate member of Conference USA (men's soccer). Athletic events are played in seven different venues on FIU's campuses (Modesto A. Maidique and Biscayne Bay), including U.S. Century Bank Arena and Alfonso Field at FIU Stadium.
