FIU shut out by MTSU despite aggressive play

By: Anthony Guivas / Staff Writer

After FIU received its first tie of the year at the hands of WKU, the Golden Panthers looked to get back to their winning ways against Middle Tennessee.

As much as the Golden Panthers would have liked to finish off their two game road trip with a win, it was not meant to be, as FIU fell to the Blue Raiders 2-0.

The loss was once again contributed by a lack of execution. Continually, the Panthers had opportunities to score but could not execute in pivotal moments within the game.

A bit of bad luck also had a lot to do with the Golden Panthers’ loss. In minute 56:41, the Blue Raiders scored when the ball deflected off the knee of FIU’s own April Perry, resulting in a goal.

“It was just one of those things that was a punch in the gut,” said Coach Thomas Chestnutt.

Even with the turn of events, the Golden Panthers continued to control the game and were still the aggressor of the game.

As FIU had a fine opportunity in the first half that came up short and then in the beginning of the second half, the Panthers had two one on one chances that resulted in missed goal opportunities.

“Our inability to finish chances cost us the game,” Chestnutt said. “At the end of the day, we didn’t execute on the offensive side of the ball and it cost us.”

What was odd throughout the game was that the Raiders did not stand out any statistical category. When it came to total shots, the Blue Raiders led FIU 15-14 and shots on goal was 7-5 in favor of the Raiders.

So even though the Golden Panthers were not dominated, the Blue Raiders stroke again. In minute 75:51, Regina Thomas put the finishing touches on a Raider win.

As FIU fell to the Raiders 2-0, they place their record on the year to a 7-6-1.  But the Golden Panthers have no sour taste in their mouths as they focus on the positives.

“It doesn’t matter who we play, we can create great opportunities,” Chestnutt said. “We are creating opportunities and limiting the other team. Bottom line, if you’re doing those things you’re doing a good job.”

The Golden Panthers, of course, did have their chances to score and have the ability to baffle opposing teams, but without execution, all of that ability means nothing.

“They [the players] don’t have anything to concern themselves with except for again taking care of the moments in the game that matter … nothing to hang their heads over,” Chestnutt said.

FIU will now travel back home as they prepare to take on North Texas on Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.