MIAMI (Feb. 7, 2021) - Two late goals lifted the Panthers on Sunday, as the FIU women's soccer team blanked visiting Jacksonville 2-0 to open the 2021 spring slate. 

With the win, FIU improves to 1-0, while Jacksonville falls to 0-2 on the year. The victory marked the first for Jonathan Garbar as a head coach at FIU. The season-opening win was FIU's first since defeating Dayton 2-1 to open the 2015 campaign. 

The Panthers and Dolphins played scoreless for nearly 80 minutes on Sunday afternoon, before Kédie Johnson scored on an assist from Carmen Marin to break the tie. At the 82nd minute, Sophia Vilar put the match out of reach as Johnson found the freshman for a header that floated to the back of the net. 

Between the posts, Sarah Ward earned a clean sheet in 90 minutes of action and collected three saves as the Panther defense held the Dolphins in check. 

FIU held a 13-9 advantage in shots, with four on target. 

UP NEXT
The Panthers begin a four-match road trip starting with North Florida on Friday, Feb. 12, at 4 p.m. ET.

FAN ATTENDANCE
Due to physical distancing requirements, the total capacity at FIU Athletics events will be reduced this season. FIU's soccer games will be limited to 200 fans this spring due to the COVID-19 repopulation plan. For more information on tickets, including student ticketing, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit here.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Get all the latest information on the team by following @FIUWSoc Instagram and @FIUWSoccer on Facebook and Twitter. General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.