FIU womens soccer loses homecoming game against rival FAU.

Santiago Archieri/ Contributing Writer

It was homecoming at the Florida International University soccer stadium on Sunday and a day when such festivities for the team and the seniors was ruined by a 2-0 to the Florida Atlantic University Owls.

FIU entered the game on a hot streak at home, winning their last four games in a row and all of them being against conference opponents. However, their overall streak wasn’t as appealing, as the Panthers came into the game losing their previous two games, both resulting in shutouts.

Florida Atlantic senior Claire Emslie scored her sixth goal of the season to give the Owls a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute of the game. FIU did have their fair amount of chances as the first half came to a close, especially in the final minute from Alyssa Robinson, but her shot on goal was saved by Sydney Drinkwater, the stellar goalkeeper for FAU.

In the second half, FAU created a cushion in the 51st minute when Maddie Pung headed a header through the net and the lead grew to 2-0 for the Owls.

FIU had 11 shots on goal, but Drinkwater had 11 saves for the Panthers. The Panthers were able to outshoot the Owls 14-9 on total shots, but they were unable to capitalize on any great opportunities. Alyssa Robinson had five shots on goals for the game, followed by Malden Weinhardt, who registered three on goal.

The Panthers now drop to 8-10 overall in the season and 4-5 in conference play. They finish 7-3 at home, which is an impressive feat. It was the final home game for Malden Weinhardt, Marie Egan, Scarlet Montoya and Nikki Rios in the FIU soccer stadium. These four Panthers were honored after the game for the seniors’ celebration.

The Panthers hit the road for their final game of the regular season this upcoming weekend against the Charlotte 49ers. FIU looks to end a three-game losing streak and move up one final time in the conference standings.