Ginevra Gil | contributing writer
The Panthers are set to face conference rivals Delaware for the first time in program history this Sunday at 12 p.m.
This match marks the first encounter with a conference team for the Panthers.
Delaware, previously in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), joined CUSA in 2025.
The Fightin’ Blue Hens are currently undefeated with a 7-0-2 record.
FIU currently has a 3-2-3 record, with one of the draws being from their most recent game against Jacksonville, where they drew 2-2.
In the first half, the attempts made from both teams saw zero return. The tight defenses constructed a 0-0 scoreline proceeding into the second half.
However the second period proved to be everything but like the first. FIU opened up the score with a goal in the 48th minute with Hanako Fujii assisting redshirt junior Maya Maxwell to her first goal of the 2025 season. This goal also marks the first assist of the season for Fujii.
Celebrations were short-lived, as Jacksonville leveled the score in the 55th minute.
Not long after, the Dolphins scored their second goal in the 60th minute to make it 2-1.
Jacksonville’s hopes of keeping the score the same with a sturdy defense shown to be fruitless. With just 4 minutes left of the full time whistle, Jayden Boelter forced a late equalizer to make the score 2-2.
At fulltime, Jacksonville had 10 shots (7 on target), 12 fouls, and 4 corner kicks. Meanwhile FIU had 8 shots (2 on target), 12 fouls, and 7 corner kicks.
It proved to be a busy game for junior goalkeeper Valery Restrepo, who recorded 5 saves (a season high) to help FIU maintain the tie.
Up next, Delaware. The Panthers look to gain momentum in their fourth straight matchup of a six game road stretch.
FIU’s next home game will be on Oct. 5 against Liberty.
The last time The Panthers faced any conference opponent was on Nov. 10, 2024, where FIU defeated Liberty 1-0 to lift the CUSA Tournament Championship for the first time in program history.
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