Panthers dominated by Florida at home

During Sunday night’s loss against the Florida Gators, FIU lost more than just the game.

In minute 43, freshman midfielder Alyssa Robinson was injured and taken out of the game. The Panthers have already lost senior forward Chelsea Leiva for an undisclosed amount of time with a knee injury.

The injury was not released by the team as of yet and for now the timetable for Robinson’s return is uncertain.

With injuries plaguing the team they now had to face the 8th ranked team in the nation Florida (3-1-0).

In the 36 minute, the Gators started their attack when Caroline Triglia made a clear goal with an assist by Maggie Rodgers. FIU’s defense was lacking for most of the night as the Gator’s maintained possession mostly in FIU’s side of the field for most of the night.

The gators opened the second half by leading in both shot on goal (9-2) and corner kicks (4-1). Just a few mintues into the second half, the Panthers first penalty kick was blocked by Florida’s Taylor Burke.

In minute 53,  the gators picked up their fifth corner kick that led to a goal by Jordan Savanah. Almost immediately after Florida shot another corner kick that left freshman goalkeeper Vanessa Plasencia defenseless as the Gators went on to take a comanding 3-0 lead.

Florida would go on to score one final time in the 58 mintue with a goal from Howard Doughtery. Putting away the game for good and handing the Panthers thier second loss of the season.

As the 8th ranked team in the nation, the Panthers knew this would be a tough team to beat.

“They’re a very good team and we missed opportunites maybe if we can take those opportunities things can turn around a little bit for us,” says Chestnutt.

It was overall an aggressive game with four yellow cards by FIU and three from Florida.

“Were happy with our physical effort, we have to be a little more focused in the game,” says Head Coach Thomas Chestnutt.

After such a tough loss, FIU keeps the mindset of looking forward with heads held up high.

“We’re getting better each week, we are better now than we were last week. There are certain things you cannot do and that is give up we can’t give up,” says Chestnutt.

The Panthers will have their next game at home field against Florida Gulf coast on Friday Sept 6.