MIAMI – The FIU women's soccer team opens Conference USA play on Sunday morning as they welcome in the UTEP Miners from FIU Soccer Stadium
Sunday , Sept. 17 vs. University of Texas at El Paso (1-7-1 0-0 CUSA)
The Panthers (5-2-1, 0-0 CUSA) enter conference play with five wins, which is the most non-conference victories for the program since the 1996 season.
FIU is coming off a 1-0 loss to Florida Gulf Coast on Sunday, Sep. 10 where goalkeeper Ithaisa Vinoly recorded a season-high of eight saves.
Their 24 goals scored through the first eight games are the most scored to begin a season in program history.
The offense is led by Solis, who leads the team in goals (8) and points (18), while sitting atop in those categories in Conference USA. In addition, her eight goals has placed her top ten nationally in all of Division I.
The FIU scoring has been a reason for success with three players including Solis with two or more goals scored as sophomores Kim Schneider (4), Kennedy Floyd (3), and juniors Noemi Paquin (3) and Izelle Barriere (2) have all had success through the back of the net.
Schneider has blossomed in her sophomore campaign with already nine points, five more than her total from a season ago.
Paquin has shined with the attacking line as her 26 shots on goal lead all of CUSA and 47th in the nation.
Panther's backline has been strong allowing just four goals in seven games against their competition with graduate student Anna Rockett, juniors Reagan Bridges and Delinda Sehlin bringing a steady force on defense.
In the net, Vinoly has started in all eight games, having notched a total of 23 saves with a 0.60 goals against average. Her four clean-sheets in a FIU uniform is a career-high for the graduate student, helping her win CUSA Goalkeeper of the Week this past Tuesday.
LAST TIME OUT
Both programs have met a total of five times, dating back to the 2014 season.
Last time these teams faced each other was on Sept. 15, 2022 as the Panthers and Miners drew in a 0-0 battle from El Paso.
The last win for the Panthers against the Eagles was on Sep. 27, 2015 in a 3-2 win on the road.
SCOUTING THE MINERS
Heading into CUSA play, the Miners are coming off a 1-0 loss to Idaho and in the midst of a three-game losing skid with their last victory coming on Sep. 3 against Incarnate Word.
The team is led offensively by reshirt junior Taya Lopez, who leads UTEP in goals (2) and (5) points. Senior Emerson Kidd paces the team in shots (10) while also notching a goal.
UTEP placed seventh in the CUSA Preseason Poll after finishing the 2022 season with 4-11-3 campaign.
At the net, senior Tionna Taylor has started in all nine games with 37 saves and a 2.38 GAA on the season while allowing 21 goals.
UP NEXT
The Panthers will hit the road for a conference clash against new addition, Sam Houston State Bearkrats.
First kick from Hunstville, Texas is set for 7:30 p.m. EST and can be streamed on ESPN+.
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.
