MIAMI (Feb. 9, 2021) - Estefania Cardona and Sarah Ward of FIU women's soccer were named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week and Goalkeeper of the Week, respectively, the league office announced on Tuesday afternoon.

The awards for Cardona and Ward mark the first time that either Panther has earned the weekly honor.

Both Panthers helped FIU post a clean-sheet against Jacksonville on Sunday, Feb. 7, as FIU won its season opener against the Dolphins by a shutout score of 2-0. The clean sheet for FIU was the first since Sept. 15, 2019 against USC Upstate and the first season-opening win for the Panthers since 2015.

Junior transfer Cardona played admirably in her first start for FIU, solidifying the Panther backline and keeping the Dolphin offense at bay. Cardona logged a full 90 minutes in the contest while helping limit Jacksonville to only three shots on-goal. The defender's reliability played a large part in FIU's blanking of Jacksonville on Sunday. 

In her first collegiate start, sophomore goalkeeper and team co-captain Ward recorded three saves on nine shots-faced en route to her first shutout. The netminder kept the Panther backline organized and provided great play in the air on corner kicks to prevent JU from scoring on set-piece opportunities. 

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
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