Norman, Okla. – FIU drops their first match of the season on the road against Power-4 foe Oklahoma, 2-1.

FIU played stout defense for the majority of the game, led by sophomore goalkeeper Valery Restrepo. The Colombian native had a great game, staving off all the chances Oklahoma had until the end of the second period. She ended with three saves on the night, denying 12 out of the Sooners' 14 shots.

Drama ensued when the Panthers were issued a red card at the 40:05 mark. FIU would play the final 49:55 with 10 players on the field.

The Panthers' defense stayed diligent despite being down a player, keeping the score even at zero into the half and throughout the majority of the second period. 

Oklahoma broke the tie with a goal in the box at the 77:50 mark.

The Panthers quickly evened up the score when Oklahoma got called for a handball in their own box, forcing a penalty kick at the 81:43 mark. Head coach Jonathan Garbar called on senior Nikole Solis to take the penalty kick. Solis, who went 4-5 last season on penalty kicks, found the back of the net for the equalizer and her second goal in as many games.

The score stayed tied until the 87:23 mark, when FIU was charged with a foul just outside the top of their own box. Oklahoma went on to score from the free kick to make it 2-1 and did not look back, handing the Panthers their first loss of the young season.
  
UP NEXT 
The Panthers will return to the Sunshine State to take on rival FAU in Boca Raton on Thursday, August 22 at 7 p.m. 

Streaming for the match will be available on FAUSports.TV, with live stats available on FIUSports.com.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA 
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General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.