MIAMI, Fla. -  FIU women's soccer embarks on a trip to Ruston, Louisiana this weekend, as the Panthers search for their first league win with a crucial Conference USA matchup at Louisiana Tech on Sunday, Oct. 2.
 
Sunday, Oct. 2 at Louisiana Tech (3-7-2, 1-2-1 C-USA)

• Time/Site: 2 p.m. ET at Robert Mack Caruthers Field
• Streaming Video: CUSA.tv
• Live Stats

 
FIU enters the weekend fresh off a one-week hiatus from competition, as FIU dropped a close 1-0 decision to UAB last Thursday prior to drawing versus UTSA last Sunday at FIU Soccer Stadium, 1-1. Freshman midfielder Kim Schneider provided the lone goal for the Panthers last week, securing the equalizer in the 55^th minute that led to the draw against the Roadrunners on Sunday (Sept. 25) for her first career Panther goal.
 
Through conference play, the Panthers have showcased valiant defensive performances despite the results, ranked third among the C-USA in saves for conference games (4.25/g). Regardless of the 0-1-1 week, Ithaisa Vinoly provided valuable minutes in goal, corralling 10 saves on 22 shots faced last week as she ranks fourth in the C-USA for the category (3.67/g).
 
Conversely, FIU's attack has been strong, ranked fourth among the league in shots for conference games (10.00/g), though, just coming up short on several scoring opportunities while holding a .532 shot-on-goal percentage.
 
Among the team's point leaders, Nikole Solis continues to lead the Panthers with a team-high five goals, looking to end a four-match scoring drought after her hot start to the year. Dominique Marcelli (1 goal, 2 asts) and Catherine Rapp (2 G) follow with four points, while Noemi Paquin holds three points (1 G, 1 A) in looking to find the net for the first time since FIU's opener at Louisiana on Aug. 18.
 
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:
The Panthers fell 4-0 in Miami in last season's matchup on Oct. 28, 2021.
 
FIU's last victory over the Bulldogs came in 2015, when the Panthers won 2-0 at FIU Soccer Stadium on Oct. 11, 2015.
 
SCOUTING LOUISIANA TECH:
The Bulldogs enter this weekend's contest coming off a two-match skid, dropping matchups at Charlotte (0-2) and versus Rice (1-4) last week to drop to 1-2-1 in the Conference USA. La. Tech hasn't recorded a win since Sept. 15 versus Western Kentucky, 1-0, while also having drew against UTEP, 2-2, on Sept. 18.
 
The Bulldogs are led offensively by freshman forward Flavie Dube with three goals and an assist, followed by Alma Cedefors and Carmen Suarez with two goals apiece. Sydnee Korchak achors the Bulldog defense with 43 saves through 11 starts on the season.
 
UP NEXT
FIU returns to host Western Kentucky during Homecoming Weekend on Friday, Oct. 7, at FIU Soccer Stadium. The matchup is slated for a 7 p.m. kickoff 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.