The Panthers are atop the Conference USA standings with a 6-1-2 record (19 points), meaning WKU has drawn back-to-back 0-0 ties against the top two CUSA teams after tying with Liberty last week. The Flames are in second place with a 5-1-2 record (17 points).
HOW IT HAPPENED
The match was fairly even one with FIU leading in shots with nine compared to WKU's six but the Hilltoppers led in shots on goal with three to the Panthers' one.
FIU was awarded a penalty kick late in the first half, but the Panther player sent the ball over the goal to keep the game scoreless. WKU's best scoring opportunity came in the 88th minute when Aspen Seaich sent a ball into the box on a free kick. The ball ping-ponged around before Olivia Cooke got a foot on it and sent it towards the goal. The FIU keeper batted the ball down very close to the goal line, but made the save.
NOTABLES
- Maddie Davis is up to six shutouts on the season, continuing to lead CUSA. The redshirt junior now has 14 career clean sheets which is tied for the third most in WKU history.
- WKU has given up just five total goals in CUSA play, the fewest of any team in the league.
- Brooke Sleeva, Rylee Finol and Olivia Cooke each had shots on goal in the match.
- WKU is now 14-5-5 against FIU all-time and have not lost to the Panthers since 2012 with an active 10-match unbeaten streak in the series.
QUOTABLE
"I'm really proud of our players," said head coach Jason Neidell. "We have faced a ton of adversity this week and have responded with a very tough mindset. Then, we battled adversity within the game today, gave ourselves some opportunities to win, and eventually came away with another gritty point. That's back to back weekends against the 2 top teams in the standings that we have put together really tremendous defensive efforts. I think our team is playing with some confidence, and we will need that next Friday in a must-win scenario. I know our players are excited to get back on the field next weekend in front of our home crowd."
NEXT UP
WKU will close out the regular season with Sam Houston at home on Friday, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. at the WKU Soccer Complex. The Hilltoppers will be in a must-win situation with a win needed to keep CUSA tournament hopes alive.
