MIAMI (Aug 21, 2011) - Playing at home for the first time in 2011, the FIU Panthers (0-2-0) dropped a 2-0 decision to the ninth-ranked Florida Gators (2-0-0) on Sunday, Aug. 21. A goal in each half was enough for UF as the Panthers suffered their first shutout of the season.
"They were the better team tonight," Head Coach Thomas Chestnutt said. "They showed their quality throughout the night and at the end of the day, we did not have enough."
FIU was aggressive early in the match, applying pressure and recording two of the game's first three shots. Sophomore Chelsea Leiva had a shot that was blocked in the fourth minute and senior April Perry followed with a shot on goal that was saved by Florida keeper Taylor Burke.
The Gators settled down from that point and began controlling the ball, creating several chances that were thwarted by the FIU defense and keeper Kaitlyn Savage.
Florida finally broke through in the 40th minute when Tessa Andujar grabbed a deflected ball and booted it past a diving Savage.
Tahnai Annis then netted another score for the Gators in the 63rd minute, driving home a cross from Annie Speese.
FIU's best chances to score came later in the match, none closer than Nicole DiPerna's ball off the crossbar in the 70th minute. Johanna Volz had a shot go just wide and Kelly Ann Hutchinson was denied on a header attempt in the 86th.
"It was a learning experience tonight and we have to move on and get stronger from it," said Chestnutt.
The Panthers will look to earn their first victory of the young season at home on Saturday, Aug. 27 against Akron. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
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.
