JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – FIU Women's Soccer (0-1-1) drew their first match of the season Thursday evening at North Florida (1-1-1), 1-1.
The Ospreys got their best chance of the game early in the first half when in the sixth minute, UNF forward Bella Pontieri snuck a goal past junior goalkeeper Valery Restrepo to give North Florida the early 1-0 lead.
The Panthers worked to develop a chance to tie the game in the first half, with senior Brealyn Viamille getting off two shots and two shots on goal before the halftime buzzer sounded, but was unable to find the back of the net. FIU went into the half with a 1-0 deficit.
Out of the half, the Panthers and Ospreys continued to battle, until a UNF foul in the box forced a penalty kick for FIU in the 50th minute. Panthers' head coach Mat Dunn called on senior Chinatsu Kaio to take the kick, and the Japan-native found the back of the net for the first FIU goal of the 2025 season, tying the contest at one-a-piece. It was just the second goal in Kaio's career, with the first coming in her 2023 sophomore season.
The Panthers were able to develop scoring opportunities, with Chinatsu Kaio leading the way with three shots and two shots on goal for the Panthers, while Brealyn Viamille finished with two shots and two shots on goal. Graduate Jayden Boelter and junior Montelene Dymond both ended with one shot and one shot on goal a piece.
Neither team was able to cash in on the winning goal, ending the match at an even 1-1 draw.
Despite the one goal allowed, FIU goalkeeper Restrepo and the FIU defense minimized scoring chances for North Florida, holding the Ospreys to five shots on goal and 12 shots. Restrepo had four saves in the match, bringing the Colombia-native to seven on the season.
UP NEXT
The Panthers will have their first home match of the 2025 campaign versus longtime rival Florida Atlantic on Sunday, August 24 at 4 p.m. It will be the first match of a 305 fútbol doubleheader, with the FIU Men's Soccer Team playing the next at 7 p.m.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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