FIU Women’s Soccer Climbs Back, Forces 1-1 Draw With UNF

FIU Women’s Soccer is still looking for its first win of the season following a 1-1 draw with the UNF Ospreys. Both squads got a bit more rest than they planned for, thanks to a 30-minute delay due to lightning around Jacksonville.

The Ospreys’ first and only chance of the match to get on the scoreboard came early. Six minutes in, UNF snuck a goal that barely got by FIU goalkeeper Valery Restrepo. For the next 44 minutes of gametime, the Ospreys held a 1-0 lead.

That’s not to say the Panthers didn’t have any opportunities. Brealyn Viamille led the charge with two shots on goal before halftime. Neither one was successful as UNF kept their 1-0 lead into halftime.

Just like how UNF got its goal immediately, the Panthers followed suit. In the 50th minute, FIU got its big break. A UNF foul in the box forced a penalty kick. Head coach Mat Dunn sent out Chinatu Kaio to take the shot, and she succeeded.

First Goal Of 2025 Vibes

It was the first goal of the season for the Panthers and a game-tying score. Despite being a senior, this was Kaio’s second goal in her career. Her first score came back in the 2023 season.

Kaio wasn’t done with an offensive rush, developing three shots with two on goal. Along the way, the Ospreys kept quiet on offense. FIU’s defense limited one of the best Women’s Soccer teams – Florida State – to just two goals. With UNF, they shut them down, only allowing five shots on goal and 12 shots.

Restrepo kept the Ospreys in check, with four saves to her name. Still, neither team was able to cash in on a potential game-winner, so this one’s a draw.

This certainly isn’t a bad start to the season for the reigning champs of Conference USA, but this did feel like a winnable match. A three-game homestand might be what gets them in the win column. And who better to face off than their rivals in the Florida Atlantic Owls? That’ll be on Sunday, August 24th at 4pm.

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Jake Gibson

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