MIAMI, Fla. -  A pivotal Conference USA matchup awaits the FIU women's soccer team, as the Panthers will enjoy a home field advantage for a Friday evening matchup against Western Kentucky at FIU Soccer Stadium.
 
Friday, October 7, 2022 vs. Western Kentucky (4-5-3, 1-2-1 C-USA)

• Time/Site: 7 p.m. at FIU Soccer Stadium
• Streaming Video: CUSA.tv
• Live Stats

 
Another prime opportunity sits in front of the Panthers ahead of this week's matchup with the Hilltoppers, as FIU (3 pts) sits just one point shy of Western Kentucky in the C-USA standings upon three draws through five league matches.
 
The Panthers have played resilient to consecutive come-from-behind draws upon a pair of goals from freshman midfielder Kim Schneider against UTSA and Louisiana Tech. Additionally, FIU has held the shot advantage in two of its three draws while holding off any go-ahead goals defensively through three of the last four matches.
 
Offensively, Schneider has given FIU a much-needed spark with its last two goals over the past two matches, while Noemi Paquin was the catalyst for Schneider's goal versus Louisiana Tech. Paquin logged five shots, with four being on target, against the Bulldogs last Sunday, as the sophomore certainly will look to break the scoring drought back on the home pitch.
 
Defensively, Maaike van Klink chipped in a season-best effort in goal for the Panthers on Sunday, corralling three saves in the second half to secure the draw at Louisiana Tech, while senior goalkeeper Ithaisa Vinoly continues to lead the charge in goal with 33 saves on the year – good for fifth-best among the league (3.30/g).
 
Among the team's point leaders, Nikole Solis continues to lead the Panthers with a team-high five goals, followed by Kim Schneider (2 G), Noemi Paquin (1 G, 2 A), Dominique Marcelli (1 goal, 2 asts) and Catherine Rapp (2 G) follow with four points apiece.
 
Schneider and Delinda Sehlin also hold goals for the Panthers, while Reagan Bridges, Idelys Vazquez, Chinatsu Kaio and Farah El Tayar each have recorded assists for the season.
 
LAST TIME OUT
In their last meeting, the Panthers fell in a close overtime matchup at FIU Soccer Stadium, 3-2, on October 15, 2021, as a WKU own goal and Noemi Paquin goal rallied back from a 2-0 deficit to force overtime. WKU's Brooke Sleeva would unfortunately record the game winner in the 94^th minute to lift the Hilltoppers to the win.
 
A win over Western Kentucky on Friday would mark the first in the last seven meetings against the Hilltoppers. FIU's last win over WKU came on Sept. 30, 2012, in overtime, 1-0.
 
SCOUTING WKU
The Hilltoppers enter Friday's matchup also coming off a 1-1 draw versus Middle Tennessee on Sunday, Oct. 2, after falling to North Texas, 1-0, on Sept. 25 and defeating UTEP, 1-0, on Sept. 22.
 
Western Kentucky has shown strong defensive efforts through conference play, leading the C-USA in goals allowed (0.75/g), led by goalkeeper Alexis Bach with 29 saves on a .763 save percentage. Kayla Meyer leads the charge offensively for the Hilltoppers with three goals and an assist, followed by Lily Rummo (2 G, 1 A) and Katie Erwin (1 G, 3 A) while five others have chipped in goals on the year.
 
Series History: WKU leads 11-5
 
UP NEXT
FIU returns to action at FIU Stadium, hosting North Texas for Senior Night on Thursday, Oct. 13. Kickoff is slated for a 7 p.m. start to be broadcast on CUSA.tv.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow the Panthers on Instagram (@FIUWSoccer), Twitter (@FIUWSoccer), and Facebook (Facebook.com/FIUWSoccer) for all the latest Women's Soccer news.
 
General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.