FGCU WSOC vs FIU Recap

In a wave of green surrounding them, the FGCU women's soccer team (1-0) opened the regular season in success at the FGCU Soccer Complex as they shutout FIU (0-1) 2-0. With the win, the Eagles are now 10-1-1 against the Panthers.

"I was impressed by the way that the team played," head coach Jim Blankenship said. "We came out, we were competitive and we stayed dialed-in throughout the game. There were a few times when we got a little out of rhythm, but we got back on track. I was happy to see such a big crowd tonight; it really makes a difference when he have the fans out here with us."

For goalkeepers, Blakenship sent senior Melissa Weck to the box while FIU head coach Sharolta Nonen sent sophomore Christina Velazquez to counter.

Three minutes into the first half, the Panthers would commit their first foul by sophomore Lamia Rovcanin, but the Eagles would get their vengeance as senior Marjorie "Ma" Boilesen would get the first goal on the board with an assist by sophomore Alyssa Abbondandolo. Boilesen's goal was her 17th career goal with the Eagles as she passed Gina Petracco (2008-11) and is now tied sixth all-time with Ally Kasun (2012-15). Boilesen needed one goal to be sixth all-time and is six to pass Paulina "Pau" Speckmaier (2013-16) for fifth all-time all-time.

"The team this year has a great connection," said Boilesen. "We have a whole group of international players from all around the world and players that bring so much good energy not just on the field, but in the locker room too. Usually before the game, everyone gets nervous for our home opener and we knew a lot of people were going to come watch us play, so we were nervous but at the same time extremely excited to show everything that we can do on the field."

As the second half went underway, Boilesen would extend the lead five minutes with her second goal of the game with assists by junior Zoey Spitzer and freshman Louise Lillback. Lillback was making her debut after joining the Eagles spring 2019 from Tibble Gymnasium in Stockholm, Sweden. With her second goal, Boilesen passed Petracco for sixth all-time with her 18th career goal.

"I love when I can help my team in any way," said Boilesen on scoring. "Whether I get an assist or score a goal, I'm really happy to help my teammates. I wouldn't have scored those two goals without them because they made a big impact on the team as well."

10 minutes in, Nonen would send redshirt sophomore Julia Gottlieb to replace Velazquez, but it would make no difference for the Panthers as the Eagles pulled away with the win.

Weck (1-0) would earn the shutout win with four saves. Weck got her 199th, 200th and 201st career saves in the first half and has 202 in her career. Weck is 60 away from passing Stephanie Powers (2008-11) for second all-time. In addition, Weck's shutout was her 28.4th in her career and 2.7 away from passing Powers for second all-time and the win was her 42nd as she tied with Powers (42) for second all-time.

Velazquez (0-1) would earn the loss after 55 minutes, giving up both goals with five assists.

Gottlieb finished with two saves in 34 minutes.

Throughout the game, aside from Lillback, freshmen Lander Peck and Alison Wessel made their debuts. Peck, a local from Sanibel, joined FGCU after graduating from Bishop Verot, while Wessel came from St. Charles North High School in St. Charles, Illinois.

Up Next:
The Eagles remain at home as they welcome RV Auburn (0-1) to the nest on Sunday, August 25 at 1 pm. The Tigers lost their opening matchup to #14 USF in Tampa by a score of 2-1.