Ellie Cardelle | Contributing Writer
The Panthers took on the UTEP Miners and secured a 2-0 win after a display of strong offensive pressure and solid defensive work. The game kicked off at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, with FIU starting with possession.
FIU struck early as junior Brealyn Viamille found the back of the net in just the third minute of the game after a perfectly timed long ball assist. The early lead struck the tone that carried out throughout the entire game, even after a close call with their goalkeeper that almost resulted in an own goal.
Throughout the first half, senior Noemi Paquin showed out with her footwork and ball control, creating chances and constantly making her presence felt on the field.
As the game continued, both teams struggled with first touches, causing unpredictable plays and brief moments of chaos. The Panthers offense maintained pressure but struggled to break down the Miners strong defense, with many passes being blocked.
Still, FIU held possession for most of the first half. UTEP, while resilient defensively, could not manage any shots on goal until later in the half. A promising opportunity for FIU came in the 35th minute when Viamille sent a perfect through ball to senior Farah El Tayar, but quick thinking from the Miners goalkeeper Tionna Taylor prevented a second goal.
The Panthers held the lead at halftime with a 1-0 score, but also leading in shots on goal, with FIU recording six shots as the Miners had two. However, three recorded saves from UTEP showed their defensive efforts remained, and it was still anyone’s game.
Another quick strike from FIU started off the second half, with a goal scored in the second minute. Viamille scored her second goal of the game, securing her first career brace.
Paquin provided the assist, and FIU continued to dominate possession, creating multiple scoring opportunities, though UTEP’s defense and goalkeeper were proving to be a worthy opponent, cutting off several long balls.
The Miners showed more offensive determination in the second half, with freshman Ana Quintero and freshman Anai Lopez making calculated runs and creating a few close chances. However, they struggled to finish, and the Panthers defense stayed organized.
FIU nearly extended their lead further when Camille Sahirul scored, but the goal was called offside. The Miners also came close to a goal with two chances from Quintero, with one traveling just left of the post, and the other being a breakaway saved by Panthers goalkeeper sophomore Valery Restrepo.
As tensions rose, yellow cards were issued to FIU’s junior Catherine Rapp and UTEP’s Quintero. Despite the Miner’s resilient efforts to stage a comeback, the Panthers held strong to their 2-0 lead until the final whistle.
With this win, FIU showcased their offensive power and defensive stability, leaving UTEP scoreless and securing an important victory.
Just three days later, in a highly competitive matchup on Oct. 27, FIU and WKU’s women’s soccer teams faced off in a fiery match. With both teams fighting for every possession, it was a display of skill, defensive strength and persistent offensive efforts.
The win would clinch the regular season championship for the Panthers, the first in the program’s history.
Paquin once again showcased her skills throughout the entire 90 minutes, being a team player around the field.
In the first half, Paquin executed a beautiful through ball across the field, opening up the Panthers to a great chance at a goal. However, WKU’s defense was ready for the attack, and defended their ground.
One of the most memorable strategies to come out of the first half was how communicative the Tops were, making themselves heard from anywhere on the field, and demonstrating teamwork and organization throughout it all.
WKU Goalkeeper junior Maddie Davis guided her team with a strong sense of leadership that shined on the field, and was obvious through her powerful free kick from the half that almost resulted in a goal.
FIU senior Zora Jackson also played with intensity and stayed coordinated during the Tops attacks on offense, blocking the net at all costs, and shutting down their hopes of a first half goal.
With only 16 seconds left on the clock at the end of the first half, FIU had a penalty opportunity in the box, but Senior Reagan Bridges shot soared over the goal, leaving the teams even at halftime.
The second half intensified as both teams pressed hard, with shots on goal going back and forth. The Panthers and the Tops each had several chances off corner kicks, but both defenses held firm. FIU’s Paquin continued to shine, creating multiple scoring opportunities for her teammates, including a no-look pass to senior Ariana Sparrow.
After a stunning run that saw Sparrow beat three defenders for a shot inside the box, her impact was highlighted on the field, though WKU’s defense and goalkeeper managed to defend their goal.
A struggle in FIU’s box gave the Tops a dangerous chance, but the Panthers defense managed to clear it.
Both teams battled fiercely, and emotions ran high, resulting in several yellow cards—one for FIU’s Jackson and two for WKU’s side. The second yellow card issued to the WKU coach led to his ejection, adding to the tension already present on the field.
Despite relentless efforts from both teams, neither could find the back of the net, and the game ended in a hard-fought draw.
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