MIAMI (Sept. 9, 2011) - The FIU women's soccer team suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Florida Gulf Coast University on Friday night at FIU Soccer Stadium. The Panthers tallied two first-half goals but couldn't hold off the Eagles in the second half as they drop to 2-4-0 on the year. FGCU improves to 5-2-0.

"Hats off to Florida Gulf Coast; they battled back in the second half," said Head Coach Thomas Chestnutt. "They found a way to win."

Coming off a tough loss the previous week, FIU got off to a great start scoring early with two quick goals. In the 13th minute, senior Kelly Ann Hutchinson took a pass from sophomore Nicole DiPerna and launched a beautiful strike in the upper-right corner to put the Panthers on the board first.

The Panthers needed just two more minutes to score again as sophomore Kim Lopez fired a well-placed header past the FGCU keeper off a cross from senior Deana Rossi.

FGCU regrouped in the second half and began to put together some solid scoring opportunities. The Eagles broke through in the 57th minute when Kayley Clay one-timed a cross from Ashley Ciesielczyk inside the box. Ciesielczyk stayed active for the Eagles, finding Melissa Arnold in the 64th minute for the equalizer.

The Eagles needed just five more minutes to register the eventual game-winner, capitalizing on a pass from Olivia Elias to Gina Petracco who drove it home in the 68th minute.

"Tonight's game was won in the midfield," said Chestnutt. "We need to learn from this and move on."

For just the second time this season, the Panthers were outshot by their opponent, losing the shots battle, 16-11. Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Kaitlyn Savage recorded a season-high eight saves.

FIU will now hit the road for Corvallis, Ore., to take on Oregon State on Friday, Sept. 16. Live stats will be provided at www.FIUSports.com and be sure to follow the Panthers on Twitter (@FIUWomensSoccer) and become a fan on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/FIUWSoccer).

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.