MIAMI – The FIU women's soccer team hits the road to Hunstville, Texas to take on new Conference USA member, the Sam Houston Bearkats on Thursday night.
Thursday, Sept. 21 vs. Sam Houston Bearkats (3-3-2 1-0 CUSA)
The Panthers (6-2-1, 0-0 CUSA) enter Thursday night's battle with six wins, which is the best start through nine games since the 2001 campaign.
FIU is coming off a 3-1 victory to the UTEP Miners this past Sunday to begin conference play. Junior Noemi Paquin highlighted the afternoon with a pair of goals, while graduate student Camille Sahirul notched a goal late to seal the win.
The offense has shined for the Panthers, totaling 27 goals through the first nine game, the most 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 goal have placed her top fifteen nationally in all of Division I.
Paquin has shined with the attacking line, fifth in CUSA in goals (5)m and second on the team in points (12). Her 16 shots on goal sit atop in the conference and 31st in the nation.
Schneider has blossomed in her sophomore campaign with already 10 points, and four goals, including an assist in Sunday's win over UTEP.
The FIU scoring has been a reason for success with six players with two or more goals. Including Solis, Paquin, Schneider, junior Izelle Barriere (2), sophomore Kennedy Floyd (2), and Sahirul (2) have all found the score sheet.
Panther's backline has been strong allowing just six goals in nine 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 nine games, having notched a total of 24 saves with a 0.69 goals against average. Her four clean-sheets in a FIU uniform on the season is a career-high for the graduate student.
SCOUTING THE BEARKATS
The Bearkats head into the contest with back-to-back wins, including sealing their first ever CUSA victory in a 2-0 over Jacksonville State this past Sunday, while taking down Incarnate Word, 1-0, on Sep. 10.
The team is led offensively by sophomore Kennedy Baquero, who leads the Bearkats in goals (4) and (8) points. Sophomore Pam Murray paces the team in shots (16) while also notching two goals.
Sam Houston placed eight in the CUSA Preseason Poll after finishing the 2022 season with 3-11-2 campaign.
At the net, senior Savannah Hall has started in seven games with 35 saves and a 1.36 GAA on the season while allowing nine goals.
The matchup will be the first between both programs.
UP NEXT
The Panthers will head back home for senior night on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. against the Florida Atlantic Owls to wrap up non-conference play.
First kick is set for 6 p.m. 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.
