Match Preview: FIU Women’s Soccer vs. Stetson
MIAMI – In an exciting home matchup, the Florida International University (FIU) Panthers are set to host the Stetson Hatters at Leyva Family Field on Thursday, August 28, starting at 6 p.m. This encounter marks a continuation of their competitive history, as the Panthers strive to reclaim the momentum from their previous matchups.
Match Details
- Date & Time: August 28, 6 p.m.
- Location: Leyva Family Field at FIU Soccer Stadium
- Broadcast: To be announced
- Live Stats: Available during the match
- Presented by: Baptist Health, the Official Sports Medicine Provider for FIU Athletics
Current Season Overview
The Panthers are looking to build on their 1-1-1 start this season. With a tally of four goals, individual contributions from senior Chinatsu Kaio and junior Montelene Dymond have been vital early in the campaign, as each have scored two goals thus far. Kaio’s ability to score equalizers earned her the title of CUSA Offensive Player of the Week for the week ending August 24, while Dymond played a crucial role in a decisive victory against Florida Atlantic.
In goal, junior Valery Restrepo has demonstrated strong defensive skills, allowing only four goals and recording 11 saves for a goals-against average of 1.33. However, the season commenced with a challenging match against the third-ranked Florida State, where FIU narrowly fell 2-0, despite limiting the Seminoles to a mere 13 shots.
Historical Context
Entering this season, FIU holds a 7-6-1 all-time record against Stetson since their contests began in 2003. In a balanced series, each team has claimed three victories in their last six encounters. The Panthers enjoyed a streak of three consecutive wins against Stetson until last season when the Hatters narrowly triumphed 1-0 in DeLand, thereby igniting a renewed competitive spirit for FIU.
Looking Back: 2024 Season Highlights
FIU’s last season was notable, as they achieved a remarkable 13 wins—marking the second-highest in program history. The team’s triumphs included championship victories in both the CUSA regular season and the tournament. Their effort culminated in a dramatic win over Liberty, enabling them to secure their third-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
Key Returning Players
This season, the Panthers feature two returning players honored in the 2024 CUSA All-Conference lists: junior goalkeeper Valery Restrepo and graduate defender Zora Jackson. Both athletes will play essential roles as FIU aims to enhance their defensive and overall team performance in 2025.
Coaching Changes
The Panthers are under new leadership this season, with Mat Dunn assuming the role of head coach. Dunn previously led Keiser University to an impressive record, including back-to-back national championships, and will look to apply his winning strategies to FIU’s program.
Scouting the Hatters
Stetson enters the match with a 2-1 record, having secured a win against Gardner-Webb and most recently overcoming South Carolina State. However, the Hatters faced a setback in their match against Colorado State. Last season proved challenging for them, finishing at 8-11 overall, with only three ASUN victories.
Final Thoughts
As both teams prepare for the match on Thursday, fans are encouraged to follow FIU Women’s Soccer on social media for updates. Engaging with the team on platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook will enhance the community’s connection to the Panthers’ journey this season.
For additional athletic updates, follow @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics across various social media channels.
