MIAMI – Junior forward Montelene Dymond scored twice to lead FIU Women's Soccer to its first victory of the 2025 season, defeating in-state rival Florida Atlantic (0-3-1), 3-1, on Sunday.
The Owls came out strong, dominating possession for most of the opening 15 minutes. Their early pressure paid off in the 13th minute when Leila Etemadi found the back of the net to give FAU a 1-0 lead.
Both sides battled evenly for the next stretch until FIU found the equalizer in the 28th minute. A perfectly placed service from sophomore Kiara Clarke connected with senior Chinatsu Kaio, who calmly slotted home her second goal in as many games to tie the match at 1-1. The goal marks a new career-high for Kaio, who entered the season with just one goal in her previous four years as a Panther.
From that point on, Dymond took control. In the 33rd minute, senior Grace Morris delivered a long through ball to Dymond, who capitalized with her first goal of the match to give FIU a 2-1 lead.
Just eight minutes later, the Canadian forward added her second. After finding open space, Dymond maneuvered around multiple FAU defenders and buried her shot in the 41st minute, extending the Panthers' lead to 3-1. Since transferring to FIU last season, Dymond has scored three goals in just two matches against the Panthers' biggest rival.
FIU's defense held firm in the second half, keeping FAU off the scoreboard despite the Owls managing six shots and three on goal. Junior goalkeeper Valery Restrepo was a key part of that defensive effort, making four saves to bring her season total to 11.
The win marks the first NCAA Division I victory for first-year head coach Mat Dunn and his staff. FIU now sits at 1-1-1 to start the 2025 campaign.
UP NEXT
The Panthers will stay at home for the second match of a three-game homestand, with Stetson coming to Miami on Thursday, August 28 at 6 p.m., to be broadcasted on ESPN+.
BAPTIST HEALTH
The 2024 FIU men's and women's soccer season is presented by Baptist Health, the official sports medicine provider of FIU Athletics.
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.
