HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Mariana Barreto netted a brace as FIU women's soccer (5-6-4, 2-3-1 CUSA) secured its first road victory in Conference USA-play, defeating Sam Houston, 3-1, on Thursday night.
The Panthers opened the scoring almost immediately, as Adria Kitzinger found the back of the net in the second minute of the match. The goal marked the forward's third of the season and second in conference-play.
Despite scoring opportunities for both teams, FIU maintained its 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
Coming out of the break, the Panthers continued to apply pressure and broke through again in the 59th minute. Finja Kappmeier's corner kick struck the top of the crossbar before finding senior Mariana Barreto, who headed the ball into the net for her first goal of the night to extend FIU's lead to 2-0.
Just 10 minutes later, Barreto struck again, firing a shot from outside the box in the 69th minute to secure her first career brace and give the Panthers a commanding 3-0 advantage. The goal was her fourth of the season and third in conference-play.
Sam Houston found the net in the 81st minute, but FIU held on for the 3-1 victory, earning its first road win of CUSA-play.
Goalkeeper Valery Restrepo delivered a strong performance, recording seven saves on 11 shots faced.
The Panthers finished with 12 shots, including seven on goal. Barreto and Kitzinger led FIU offensively, recording five and three shots, respectively, while both found the back of the net in the victory.
UP NEXT
FIU will stay on the road to face Missouri State on Sunday, October 25 at 2 p.m. in Springfield, Missouri.
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.
