SPARTANBURG, North Carolina (Sept. 15, 2019) - The FIU women's soccer team earned its first road win of the 2019 season on Sunday afternoon, as they shutout USC Upstate by a score of 3-0 in Spartanburg.
The Panthers now improve to 2-5 on the season, while the Spartans fall to 1-2-2.
FIU was off to a quick start as Ellen Halseth scored in the 11th minute for the Panthers. The freshman had the best day of her young Panther career, as she scored again in the 13th minute to help FIU take an early 2-0 lead over USC Upstate. The FIU defense was stout in the first period as they allowed zero shots-on-goal, and only two shots total by the Spartans before the the break.
The second half saw freshman Charity O' Neal claim her first career FIU goal in the 74th minute, with Yolanda Albalat Collado assisting on the play. Collado continues to be the Panther's greatest facilitator as she now leads the team with four assists on the season. FIU continued to play well defensively throughout the match as they allowed the Spartan's only one shot-on-goal in the second period. The Panthers ended with a 20-8 advantage in the shot margin, while FIU fired away 10 shots-on-goal.
FIU recorded its first shutout and road victory since Sept. 3, 2017, when they defeated Jacksonville University by a score of 1-0 on the road. Goalkeeper Christina Velazquez played a full 90 minutes for the second consecutive game and helped record the clean sheet for FIU with one save on the day. Defender Sierra Moss and midfielder Olivia Sandahl also both played a full 90 minutes for the Panthers and were key contributors in the shutout effort.
Hasleth recorded career-high numbers of four points, two goals, five shots, and three shots-on-goal against USC Upstate. Rayquel Berry and Ashley Adams also each contributed two shots-on-goal on three shots a piece.
UP NEXT
FIU is back in action on Sunday, Sep. 22 against UTEP, when they travel to El Paso, Texas for the Panthers' first C-USA matchup of the 2019 slate. Kickoff against the Miners is set for 1 p.m. ET.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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