EL PASO, Texas – The FIU women's soccer team came into Conference USA play spirited, overwhelming UTEP with a 16-4 shot differential in Thursday's C-USA opener, though, the Miners held strong in goal to play FIU to a scoreless draw at University Field.
The Panthers move to 2-3-1 (0-0-1 C-USA) on the season, while UTEP sits at 3-4-2 (0-0-1 C-USA) heading into the weekend.
FIU dominated offensively from nearly start to finish on Thursday night, tallying a 9-2 shot advantage through the opening 45 minutes prior to continuing the onslaught with a 7-2 second-half margin despite no score. The Panthers finished with nine shots on goal to UTEP's three.
Additionally, FIU held possession for 57 percent of the match.
Noemi Paquin led the charge with six shots, including two on target, followed by a pair of shots each from
Chinatsu Kaio,
Nikole Solis,
Kim Schneider and
Kennedy Floyd.
Catherine Rapp logged a shot on goal, while
Delinda Sehlin also added a shot for the Panthers.
Despite the draw, the Panthers have proved to be dangerous within striking range, ranked 11
th in the nation in shot-on-goal percentage (.593) heading into the match.
FIU's defensive line was lock down for a majority of the match, seeing defenders
Reagan Bridges and
Idelys Vazquez log 90 minutes while senior goalkeeper
Ithaisa Vinoly recorded three crucial saves on four shots from the Miners to secure her first clean sheet of the season.
UTEP was led by goalkeeper Mariah Scott with a match-high nine saves in goal for the Miners.
FIU had several chances in the first half and nearly almost struck first in just the sixth minute after Solis rifled a shot top-left from the 18-yard box that UTEP's Scott made a tough save on. A shot from the 18 from
Catherine Rapp and set-piece shot from
Noemi Paquin ensued shortly after, though, Scott would continue to corral a pair of saves early in the frame.
The Miners had a pair of close chances late in the half in the 31
st and 32 minute, as Vinoly recorded a stop on a UTEP shot from just inside the 18 prior to corralling a remarkable save off a Miners' corner kick while on her back to keep UTEP off the board heading into the intermission.
The second half was more of the same for the Panthers, as
Kim Schneider found some wiggle room in the 60
th minute to launch a shot on goal that'd be saved by Scott. On the contrary, Vinoly would make another crucial save moments later in the 68
th on a shot from the left side of the box for her third save.
The Panthers had another great chance in the 73
rd minute, as Paquin threaded a cross from the close right wing inside the box to
Kennedy Floyd who sent a shot that unfortunately met Scott once again. Down the stretch, the Panthers put themselves in position in UTEP's half of the pitch, seeing late shots on goals from Paquin, Schneider and
Chinatsu Kaio, though, the Miners' defense and Mariah Scott would ultimately hold off FIU's prowess to record the 0-0 draw at the end of regulation
UP NEXT
FIU travels to Houston, Texas to close the weekend out with a matchup at Rice on Sunday, Sept. 18. Kickoff is slated for a 12 p.m. ET start to be broadcast on CUSA.tv.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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@FIUWSoccer), and Facebook (
Facebook.com/FIUWSoccer) for all the latest Women's Soccer news.
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