Panthers look to send the Beavers down the river

FIU Women's SoccerFIU Women's Soccer

Sept. 12 isn’t a conference game, nor is it the most important game of the season—yet, the Panthers have a chance to build on something special. Last Friday, Sept. 5, FIU handled Murray State University and earned a 1-0 victory, their first win at home on the season. There are still five consecutive home games to go for the Panthers during this stretch, a task they look to capitalize on.

The next meeting presents a chance to achieve a 2-2 home record, bringing them closer to besting their home record from last season (3-6). Oregon State University is a school that has yet to see a tally in their win column. The Beavers hail from the Pac-12, sitting last in the conference at 0-4-2. The Beavers have only scored two goals thus far in the season, while conceding eight to their opponents. In the 2013-2014 regular season, OSU faced similar troubles, finishing with a 6-12-2 record.

In order for the Panthers to build a strong home field advantage come October, they must win games against teams that are struggling this early in the season. The entire atmosphere is filled with the attitude that they can beat any team on any given day, but the Panthers cannot continue to trade wins and losses. After a loss, FIU is 3-0. After a win, they are 0-2, a record that can surely be changed against Oregon State.

A facet of the next match to keep an eye on is the midfield play. Senior Johanna Volz and redshirt junior Scarlet Montoya have seemingly controlled the tempo whenever a ball is played into the middle of the field. Against Murray State University, Montoya linked up with Volz for a clear-cut goal to eventually win the game. Ironing out the offense from midfield all the way to the attacking front provides open space, which goal-thirsty forwards Chelsea Leiva and Ashleigh Shim can find their shots.

The odds are not in the Beavers’ favor, especially since they are 11 out of 12 in shots (68) in the Pac-12, while, also, averaging 0.33 goals per game. Yes, that’s not even an average of a single goal through six games, a most concerning statistic for Head Coach of Oregon State, Linus Rhode.

On the other hand, FIU is tied for third overall in shutouts (3) amongst Conference USA teams—a testament to the improved defense and surge of aggressiveness from freshman goalkeeper Nevena Stojakovic.

Regardless of previous games, the Panthers take no team lightly and look for a win over Oregon State University 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 12.

 

About the Author

James Profetto
:Staff Writer for FIU Student Media. Majoring in Broadcast Media. Sports guru with a passion for movies, music and getting to know people. Aspiring play-by-play commentator. You'll see me on TV one day.

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