MIAMI — Women's soccer (1-2-3) secured a decisive 5-1 victory over Howard (0-2-2) on Sunday afternoon at Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium. The Panthers dominated the match with a season-high five goals in the contest, highlighted by
Maya Maxwell's first career brace.
FIU initiated the scoring early with senior
Mariana Barreto netting her first goal of the season in the 5th minute, assisted by
Maya Maxwell, giving the home team an early lead.
Maxwell continued her influence on the game by scoring in the 14th minute, with Barreto returning the favor with an assist, expanding the Panthers' advantage to 2-0.
Yuzu Tanida further extended the lead with her second goal of the season in the 20th minute, bringing the score to 3-0. The first half concluded with the Panthers holding that lead into the break.
FIU expanded its lead early in the second half with another goal from
Maya Maxwell in the 50th minute, marking her first brace of her career, extending FIU's lead, 4-0. Howard responded quickly with a goal in the 51st minute to make it 4-1.
The Panthers continued to apply pressure, leading to a goal by Pembroke Pines native,
Leyla Molina in the 76th minute, scoring her first goal as a Panther, to make it 5-1. Molina's goal was fed to her by Maxwell, her second assist of the contest. Maxwell's six-point performance marked a career-best, surpassing her combined point total from her first four years of collegiate soccer.
Senior goalkeeper
Valery Restrepo recorded three saves on seven shots seen, maintaining a strong presence in goal throughout the match.
Up Next
Women's soccer will welcome a ranked UCF to Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium on Thursday, September 3 at 6 p.m.
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.
