Ginevra Gil | contributing writer
The Panthers look to keep their momentum on the road against conference rivals, Kennesaw State, Sept. 25 at 7p.m.
Before traveling to Georgia, The Panthers visited Delaware in their last game handing the CUSA newcomers a 2-1 defeat.
After an FIU set piece was poorly cleared by the Owls, the ball met the feet of the Japan-native senior Chinatsu Kaio, who lofted the ball in the box hoping to connect with a blue shirt. Following a small battle in the box, forward Jayden Boelter was able to connect and place FIU ahead in the 17th minute.
The Panthers continued to find holes in Delaware’s backline. In the 43rd minute a stolen ball from senior Brealyn Viamille reaches once again Chinatsu Kaio, who delivers a through ball to junior Montelene Dymond to double the lead going into halftime.
In the second half, after numerous offensive efforts by Delaware, FIU conceded in the 54th minute making the scoreline 2-1.
For the rest of the match both teams held strong and none could fully capitalize. This result marks the first win against a conference opponent for the 2025 season, and also marks the second time this season FIU spoiled a team’s undefeated record (Delaware and UCF.)
At fulltime, Delaware finished with 17 shots (5 on target), 1 save, and 1 corner kick. Meanwhile FIU had 5 shots (3 on target), 4 saves, and 3 corner kicks.
On the tallysheet Montelene Dymond leads with 6 goals, Jayden Boelter and Chinatsu Kaio are tied with 2, and Delfina Lombardi and Maya Maxwell are tied with 1.
For assists, Chinatsu Kaio and Grace Morris are tied with 2 and Hanako Fujii, Noa Olivia Ganthier, and Valery Restrepo are tied with 1.
The next game is against Kennesaw State who currently have a 1-6-3 record and are 0-1 against conference rivals.
The last meeting between the two teams saw a 3-0 Panther defeat during the 2024 season.
Last season FIU had a 6-1-2 conference record and a 13-5-2 overall record to win the CUSA Tournament for the first time in program history.
Head coach Mat Dunn and his team hope to build off of these wins, as only a two road games remain before FIU face Liberty at home for a CUSA Tournament Final rematch on Oct. 5.
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