Hurricanes Battle Through Weather Delay, Earn Hard-Fought 1-0 Victory Over FIU
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Battling through difficult weather conditions and a 30-minute lightning delay midway through the first half, the University of Miami soccer team (2-2-1) won their second consecutive match, securing a 1-0 victory over FIU (3-3).
“This group continues to improve every match,” said Head Coach Ken Masuhr. “Credit to FIU, as they are a well organized and spirited side. In the end, we felt that we managed the big moments of the match and took our chances with composure. Winning at this level is very difficult, so we are happy with the result and the shut out. We are looking forward to another great crowd on Thursday as we close out non-conference play.”
Miami came out with high intensity from the first whistle, as they put the pressure on FIU from the opening kick. The Canes heavily controlled the first 22 minutes of the match, compiling four corner kicks and two shots, while FIU had no corner kicks and zero shots over the same stretch.
In the 22nd minute, the match entered a lightning delay and both squads were forced to leave the field.
30 minutes later, the two squads returned to the field to complete the first half. The two teams went back and forth over the remainder of the first period, with Miami continuing to control the majority of possession time. Neither two managed to find the back of the net, as they entered halftime even.
Miami came out of the short break with similar intensity to how they started the match and continued to put pressure on the Panthers back line.
In the 68th minute, the Canes capitalized off an FIU error in the final third. Ciara Alarcon intercepted an errant pass by the Panthers and played a perfect one-touch pass to Giovana Canali. Canali took two dribbles and fired a beautiful shot that soared past the FIU goalkeeper and landed perfectly in the right corner of the net, giving the Canes a 1-0 lead. The goal by Canali marked her second consecutive match with a goal, and her third overall goal this season.
With a plethora of momentum behind them after Canali’s strike, Miami continued to control the match and kept the pressure on the Panthers.
The Canes maintained their lead over the final 20 minutes and shut down the FIU offensive attack, as they went on to earn the impressive victory in difficult conditions. Miami’s defenders consisting of Tori Grambo, Adrianna Serna, Hallie Salas, and Emilie McCartney once again had an exceptional showing for the Canes, as they did not allow FIU to gain any offensive traction throughout the contest.
Freshman Gray Willson was impressive in her first collegiate start in the net for Miami, compiling four saves and earning the shutout.
Miami recorded five shots, two of which were on target, while FIU tallied seven shots, four of which were on frame.
The Canes will return to the field this Thursday, as they are set to host Southeastern Louisiana at 7 p.m., seeking a third consecutive victory.
