The FAU women's soccer team comes up short 2-0 in-state rivalry against FIU.

Gasner Delvarin Jr

August 23, 2024

BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic Owls women's soccer (0-2-1) lost 2-0 against their in-state foe, the Florida International University Panthers, on Thursday night at the FAU Soccer Stadium. 

The Owls started slowly and missed the frame early in the first half at the eight minutes by Sloane Young. The Panthers responded shortly in the 10-minute with a goal by their forward Noemi Paquin.

The match saw intense back-and-forth action until FAU had a prime chance to equalize in the 42nd minute. Forward Jianna Ramirez found herself in a one-on-one with FIU's goalkeeper, Valery Restrepo, but could not capitalize.

Ramirez, who gained possession on the left wing, broke into the penalty area and fired a shot under the pressure of the recovering defender Reagan Bridges, who missed the sliding tackle. Restrepo made a quick reflex save with her right foot.

The play continued as Ramirez pounced on the rebound, only to be thwarted again by Restrepo. Owls' midfielder Lisa Furéh attempted a third shot on goal after a rebound on the right side of the box, but Panthers midfielder Deborah Bien-Aime blocked the effort. The follow-up shot then went wide of the target.

The Panthers entered halftime with a 1-0 lead and returned in the second half focused on defending and counter-attacking.

The Owls came close to equalizing in the 75th minute when midfielder Morgan McDonald delivered a low cross from the left, setting up forward Drew Dempsey for a clear shot that struck the crossbar.

Nonetheless, in the 88-minute, the Panthers sealed their victory with a goal from Montelene Dymond, extending the lead to 2-0 and putting the game out of reach.

The Owls remain winless at the start of the season and will need to push hard on the road to secure their first victory against Louisiana, the Ragin Cajuns, on Sunday, Aug. 25.

FAU | FIU | Sloane Young | Jianna Ramirez | Valery Restrepo | Noemi Paquin | Lisa Furéh | Deborah Bien-Aime | Morgan McDonald | Drew Dempsey | Montelene Dymond

Gallery

Photos | Gasner Delvarin Jr.