Panthers fall to Denver in consecutive home losses

Monday, August 27, 2018

By Xavier Holloway/Staff Writer

The FIU women’s soccer team remains winless, as the young team dropped their second consecutive home match against the visiting Denver Pioneers this past Sunday, August 26, in a 5-0 defeat.

Denver gained momentum early as forward Meg Halvorson scored the Pioneers first goal in only under three minutes of play from the start of the match.

Forward Camryn MacMillan scored another two goals before the half to give the Pioneers a 3-0 advantage.

“Defending in the box has been poor. The players need to mark up and take care of each other in dangerous areas,” head coach Sharolta Nonen said.

Following halftime, the Panthers came out with an elevated effort. However, the youthful squad remained on the defensive side of the ball most of the entire match and were outshot by the Pioneers, 6-20.

“Right now we have many individuals playing however they see the game fit,” said the second-year head coach. “That is not going to get us the win.”

Denver’s attacking midfielder Natalie Beckman scored the Pioneers fourth goal, finding the back of the net at the 82′ minute, to give the Pioneers a 4-0 lead. The Pioneer’s fifth and final score came from Grace Sturdevant who scored in the 84′ minute.

Panthers’ forward Kaydeen Jack led the team in shots toward the goal, tallying a total of three for the contest. Teammate and fellow forward Raquel Berry recorded two shots of her own.

For the Panther’s next matchup, the team will be traveling to play against Charleston Southern University this Friday, August 31, which kicks off a four-game road trip. Start time is set for 4 p.m.