KENNESAW, Ga. – FIU Women's Soccer will stay on the road as they travel up to Georgia for its second conference matchup at Kennesaw State on Thursday, September 25 at 7 p.m.

Thursday, September 25 at 7 p.m.

• Time / Site: 7 p.m. / Fifth Third Stadium

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• Presented by Baptist Health, The Official Sports Medicine Provider of FIU Athletics

The Panthers are coming off a victory over CUSA-Newcomer, Delaware, in their last matchup, handing the Blue Hens their first loss of the season. The win brings FIU up to 4-2-3 on the season, and 1-0 in CUSA-play. The Panthers' only losses of the season have come against Power-4 opponents. This will be just the second time their respective programs' histories that Kennesaw State and FIU will play each other, with KSU winning in last year's matchup, 3-0.

So Far in 2025

The Panthers are off to a 4-2-3 start to the 2025 season, and 1-0 in CUSA-play, tallying twelve goals so far. FIU opened the scoring account with a goal at North Florida, followed by three in a win over Florida Atlantic and three more in a victory against Stetson. In their last matchup, FIU handed the UCF Knights their first loss of the season in a 1-0 result, the lone goal coming from junior Montelene Dymond.

Senior Chinatsu Kaio Kaio has played a pivotal role early on, netting equalizers against both North Florida and Florida Atlantic. Her clutch performances earned her CUSA Offensive Player of the Week honors for the week ending August 24.

Junior Montelene Dymond has been in outstanding form, recording back-to-back braces (two goals in a match) against Florida Atlantic and Stetson. With six goals already, she has surpassed her scoring total from last season.

Sophomore Delfina Lombardi added her name to the scoresheet with her first career goal, converting a penalty kick for the game-winner against Stetson. Graduate student Jayden Boelter and redshirt-junior Maya Maxwell both earned their first goals of the season in the Panthers' matchup at Jacksonville.

FIU opened the season with a challenging road test at No. 3 Florida State, falling 2-0. Despite the loss, the Panthers held their own against the national powerhouse, limiting the Seminoles, who had previously routed SEC opponent Florida 5-0, to just 13 total shots and five on goal in a strong defensive showing.

History Made in 2024

FIU is coming off a historic 2024 season that saw the team win 13 games, the second most wins in program history. After the Panthers beat Middle Tennessee in the CUSA Tournament semifinals, they went on to beat Liberty in a 1-0 nailbiter at the FIU Soccer Stadium, and secured just their third appearance in the NCAA Tournament (1993, 2011). It was just the first time in program history that the team won not just the CUSA conference tournament, but the CUSA regular season championship as well.

Key Returners

Out of the eight Panthers to grace the 2024 CUSA All-Conference lists, only two are returning to the 305. Junior goalkeeper Valery Restrepo, who led CUSA in shutouts last season with eight and earned a Second Team All-CUSA selection, looks to continue her dominance this season. Graduate defender Zora Jackson, also a Second Team All-CUSA selection last season, will look to make her mark once again as a key contributor for the Panthers in the 2025 campaign.

New Coach, New Team

Mat Dunn was named the fifth head coach in FIU Women's Soccer history last March. Dunn joins FIU after a highly successful tenure at Keiser, where he compiled a 232-35-15 record and won back-to-back national championships in 2019 and 2020, earning NAIA Coach of the Year both years. At Keiser, he also led the program to 10 SUN regular season titles and six tournament championships. Originally from Sheffield, UK, Dunn aims to bring his winning formula to the Panthers.

FIU enters the season with a 28-player roster, featuring a balanced mix of experience and new talent. The Panthers return 14 players from last year's squad and welcome 14 newcomers, including three true freshmen, five Division I transfers, five transfers from NAIA programs, and one international addition. 

SCOUTING THE OWLS

Kennesaw State currently holds a 1-6-3 record, including 0-1 in Conference USA play. The Owls' lone win of the season came in a 7-1 victory over Alabama State. In their inaugural CUSA season in 2024, KSU finished 3-10-4 overall and 2-4-3 in league play, missing out on the conference tournament.

The Owls have scored 12 goals this season, the majority of which came in the win over Alabama State. They are averaging 1.2 goals per game while allowing 2.6—ranking ninth and 12th in the conference, respectively.

Graduate student Rebeca Womer leads the team with three goals and one assist, totaling a team-high seven points. Senior Raelyn Prince and junior Anabel Orozco have each scored twice, with Prince adding two assists and Orozco one. Five additional Owls have found the back of the net once this season.

Between the posts, Kennesaw State has split time between two goalkeepers. Freshman Sara Hill has taken the majority of minutes, starting six games and appearing in nine. She has a 0.79 goals-against average, 30 saves, and 570 minutes played so far. Redshirt junior Charlee Bernal has started four games and appeared in six, posting a 5.75 GAA with 23 saves this season.

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.