Many expected the opening matchup of the Mat Dunn era to go sideways, but it was nothing close to that. FIU fell to No. 3 FSU by a final score of 2-0 with plenty to be proud of, but still a lot to work on.
Vallery Restrepo In Midseason Form
The junior goalkeeper was extremely busy on Sunday night, saving a total of three shots and having to deal with ten shots and five corners. The Noles had themselves a busy night offensively.
In the 31st minute, Wrianna Hudson knocked in the first goal of the match. It was her second goal of the season, which gave FSU a 1-0 lead. The Noles wouldn’t score their second and final goal until the 67th minute of the match. It was Peyton Nourse who put the nail in the coffin.
Wrianna converts her 2nd in as many games to begin the season!
32' – FSU 1, FIU 0 pic.twitter.com/npQbzhtrpp
— FSU Soccer (@FSUSoccer) August 17, 2025
Restrepo did go down a couple of times, but she did play throughout the entire match and kept her team in it on a night where it was tough to find any offense. Restrepo did a fantastic job.
Panthers’ Offense Is Unable To Get Anything Going
The one downside to this match was that FIU was unable to get anything going on the offensive side of the ball. FSU’s defense kept them at bay, with zero shots put up. On the plus side, FIU was able to get something going in the second half, but throughout most of the game, the Panthers were fighting on their side of the field, which made for the high amounts of shots from the Noles.
Overall Takeaway
If anyone is disappointed by the outcome, go ahead, but for FIU to go into Tallahassee, against the No. 3 team in the country, and only surrender two goals, you have to be proud of the way Mat Dunn and his team held up.
On top of that, FSU will be the best team you play all season. Sunday’s matchup didn’t give the whole story of what this FIU team could be, but it did give a good idea, at least on the defensive side, that they will be fine.
What’s Next?
FIU will remain on the road as they head to Jacksonville to take on North Florida on Thursday, August 21st, at 7:00 pm. UNF is now 1-1 on the season with a win over Howard and, most recently, fell to Campbell. This will mark the first matchup between these teams since 2021. FIU has lost four straight to North Florida. They will seek their first win against them since 2015.
About Post Author
More Stories
Liberty Defeats Panthers After Being Down to Its Last Strike
Liberty Defeats Panthers in Series Opener
FIU and UM Players to Participate in Portsmouth Invitational