The air was rich Tuesday morning with sharp passes, clean tackles and a no-nonsense attitude. Florida Gulf Coast University is in the crosshairs of each Panther and, although the Eagles of FGCU have traditionally had success against FIU (5-1 all-time), the script is ready to be rewritten.
“What I learned [in California] is that we’re definitely capable of winning every game from here on out,” said redshirt junior Scarlet Montoya.
Montoya’s midfield presence is translating into offensive output, which was displayed nicely against UNF on August 24 with her six shots. Shots seem to be coming from not only the Miami native, but also from redshirt senior Chelsea Leiva. Leiva has 10 shots through the first four games of the season and one goal.
FGCU is no stranger to barrages of shots, though. Junior goalkeeper Brittany Brown has 18 saves on the season, helping her team get to a 2-1 record.
The difference for Wednesday night’s match is FIU is coming to play hot off a 1-0 victory against Pacific and the Eagles startled after a 1-0 loss at the hands of the University of South Florida. But, nothing is being taken for granted at this point of the season.
Head Coach Thomas Chestnutt knows there’s still work to do. “We need to continue to get better. Every week we need to be better than the next. Just because we had a good week doesn’t mean anything,” he said.
This past weekend in California taught the Panthers about themselves. Chestnutt recognized that there are still aspects of his team’s play that need to be improved upon, but realizes the gleaming positives of this Panther squad.
“In the main areas that we care about, we feel we did a good job — a solid job — for this time in the season,” said Chestnutt.
Not only has the offense found its way, but the defense is also a cohesive unit, standing tall against teams like no. 15 Santa Clara. Arizona is the only team that has scored multiple goals against the Panthers, meaning something has changed in their defensive scheme.
“I think [the defense] is way [more] organized,” said senior defender Marie Egan. “We’re better equipped for balls through and over-the-top.”
For the past couple of years, this FIU team has stuck to their game plan against FGCU according to senior Caroline Hernandez, who has found her role on defense with a powerful leg to clear any dangerous ball-in.
“We’ve just gotten unlucky,” said Hernandez. “We’re gonna play how we usually do: get around the outside, look up, play [the ball] down, and everything will work out fine.”
This is the first of seven straight games here at home for FIU. Just how important is this home stand?
“[The team’s] goal is to win seven in a row,” said Chestnutt. “And that starts Wednesday night with Florida Gulf Coast.”
The practice concluded with senior Johanna Volz leading the huddle and a cry of “beat Gulf Coast on three”— sounds of a team ready to face their adversary.
The Panthers look for win number three of the year against FGCU on Wednesday, September 2, at 7:30 p.m.