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2
Winner FIU FIU (1-0-0, 0-0-0)
1
FGCU FGCU (0-1-0, 0-0-0)
Winner
FIU FIU
(1-0-0, 0-0-0)
2
Final
1
FGCU FGCU
(0-1-0, 0-0-0)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
FIU FIU 1 1 2
FGCU FGCU 1 0 1

Game Recap: Women's Soccer |

Women's Soccer Secures a Victory Over FGCU for their First Win of the Season

Marks the first time FIU has beaten FGCU in 14 years

Fort Myers, Fla. – The FIU Women's Soccer team (1-0) defeated Florida Gulf Coast University on the road, 2-1, in their opening match of the 2024 season on Thursday. The victory marks the first win for the Panthers over the Eagles since the 2010 season, when FIU won 1-0.

The first 13 minutes of the game were dominated by the Panthers' offense, hitting five shots on goal compared to the Eagles' zero. Despite FIU's stellar play, it was overshadowed by a goal at the 13:50 mark by FGCU, putting the Eagles in the lead early in the contest. 

The Panthers continued to play well throughout the first half, shown by FIU's 11 shots on goal in the first 45, and allowing only three from FGCU before the half.

FIU was able to find the back of the net at the 42:33 mark thanks to a perfect pass from first year Rebecca Baldelomar, finished by fellow first year Antonella Solari, for the Panthers' first goal of the season and the first years' first goal and assist of their careers.

The Panthers rode the momentum into the second half, once again out shooting the Eagles 8-2 in shots on goal in the period. FIU easily handled the game within the game, with the shots on goal going 19-5 in the Panthers' favor. 

Senior Nikole Solis, last season's highest goal scorer for FIU, netted her first goal of the season to give the Panthers the lead at the 71:07 mark. FIU held on for the final 18:53 to seal the win in front of FGCU's home crowd on the country's opening night of college women's soccer.

The defensive side of the ball was big for the Panthers in the match, allowing just one goal and only five shots on goal in the entire 90 minutes. Senior Reagan Bridges played all 90 minutes, backed up by the stellar play of Valery Restrepo in goal.

It is the fourth time in five years the Panthers have won their opening matchup of the season.  

UP NEXT

FIU will catch a flight to take on Oklahoma University on Sunday, August 18 at 8:00 p.m. EST. It will be the first time in program history the Panthers play the Sooners. 

The game will be broadcasted on SEC Network+, with live stat available at FIUSports.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Fans are encouraged to follow the Panthers on Instagram (@FIWSoccer), Twitter (@FIUWomensSoccer), and Facebook (Facebook.com/FIUWomensSoccer) for all the latest FIU Women's Soccer news. 

General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.
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