CARROLLTON, Ga.- Florida Gulf Coast came to University Soccer Field on Sunday afternoon and left with a 4-0 victory over the Wolves in ASUN Conference play. The loss moved the Wolves to 3-10-0 overall and 1-3-0 in ASUN play, while the Eagles improved to 5-4-1 and 2-1-0.
The Eagles were quick to make their presence felt. In just the seventh minute of play, Erika Zschuppe scored by finishing a pass from Kendal Gargiula to give FGCU the early edge. Three minutes later, Zschuppe struck again, this time in the 10th minute of action off an assist from Elena Hinkson, doubling the advantage to 2-0.
Despite the early deficit, UWG began to generate opportunities to score. Freshman forward Isa Ramirez recorded the Wolves' first shot on goal in the 11th minute, forcing FGCU keeper Madara Matrevica into a save. Freshman midfielder Kaylen Brown followed with a chance in the 43rd minute, narrowly missing high. Defensively, freshman goalkeeper Emily Sanabria kept the Wolves within striking distance, registering four first half saves, including a crucial stop on Zschuppe in the 32nd minute.
The Wolves trailed 2-0 at halftime, but FGCU quickly added to their lead after the break. Just three minutes into the second half, in the 48th minute of play, Lauren Dwyer converted to make the score 3-0.
UWG continued to battle, with senior defender Aleyshka Orellano testing the keeper in the 67th minute, and junior midfielder Noemi Casique firing just over the goal in the 71st. However, the Eagles' offense would respond again. In the 80th minute of play, Sophia Holtzman sealed the match with a goal assisted by Maya Henley Buisan, making the final score 4-0.
The Wolves used two goalkeepers on Sunday afternoon. Sanabria finished with four saves across 61 minutes, while sophomore keeper Siani Jones added an additional stop. In total, FGCU outshot UWG 16-5 and held a 5-0 advantage in corner kicks. Sophomore forward Berkleigh Jernigan and defender Kaialani Wise played the full 90 minutes, anchoring the Wolves' effort on both ends of the field.
The Wolves return to action next Sunday, October 5, with a 1 p.m. kickoff in Charlotte, North Carolina against Queens.