MIAMI, Fla. – The Arizona women’s soccer team earned its first win of the season in its first match of the season Friday night, defeating Florida International 4-2 at Alfonso Field at FIU Stadium.
Arizona came out aggressive on offense, with sophomore Kaitlyn Lopez recording the first goal for the Wildcats in the first five minutes of the game off an assist from junior transfer Ali Doller. The Wildcats as a team recorded a total of eight shots in the first half, led by senior Jazmin Ponce with four shots and two on goal.
In the second half, Doller scored two goals and Ponce had one as Arizona pulled away. The Wildcats outshot the Panthers 23-9, with 12 Arizona players contributing to that total.
“I am really excited the team got that result,” Arizona coach Tony Amato said. “They were rewarded for all the hard work they have put in during the last few weeks. FIU is a quality team, and Thomas (Chestnutt) always has them tactically ready to play. To come here and score four goals is a real positive step for us. We will build off that moving into Sunday’s match.”
In net, Arizona goalkeeper Gabby Kaufman stopped three shots out of the nine attempted by Florida International, while Panthers goalkeeper Vanessa Plasencia saved 13 shots of the 23 by the Wildcats.
Arizona next travels to Boca Raton, Fla., for a matchup against Florida Atlantic on Sunday.
