MIAMI – The Panthers will be on the road for a cross-town matchup against Miami (4-1-1) on Sunday, September 7 at 5 p.m.

Sunday, September 7 at 5 p.m.

• Time / Site: 5 p.m. / Cobb Stadium

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

FIU comes into the matchup off a victory against power-4 and formerly undefeated UCF, with the Panthers now sitting at 3-1-2 during the 2025 campaign. Miami is coming into the match off a 2-2 draw against Princeton, winning their previous three matches. The Hurricanes have bested the Panthers in the all-time matchup, 12-5-1 in the series. The series has been more even in the past few years, with FIU winning over Miami in 2023, and the Hurricanes narrowly beating the Panthers in 2024, 1-0.

So Far in 2025

The Panthers are off to a strong 3-1-2 start to the 2025 season, tallying seven goals across four matches. 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 five goals already, she has surpassed her scoring total from last season just six games into the year.

Sophomore Delfina Lombardi added her name to the scoresheet with her first career goal, converting a penalty kick for the game-winner against Stetson.

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 HURRICANES

Miami enters the match 4-1-1, with victories over UNC Asheville, Florida Atlantic, Jacksonville and Lipscomb. The 'Canes only loss of the season came on the road at Appalachian State.

Despite beating the Panthers, UM went 5-8-4 during the 2024 campaign, and just a 1-6-3 record in ACC-play, good for 15th in the ACC. 

A well-rounded team early in the 2025 season, the Hurricanes have seen production from several players, led by Brie Severns with three goals. Eight 'Canes have scored once this season, totalling 11 goals on the year. Ciara Alarcon has emerged as a standout facilitator, coming into the match with three assists so far on the season. Miami has two goalkeepers in Emily Bredek and Atlee Olofson who play in every match. Together the tandem has allowed just five goals on the season and have a combined GAA of 0.85, adding on 17 saves.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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