A Draw That Speaks Volumes
The contest opened with both squads pressing aggressively from the first whistle, a pressure that paid off when a turnover led to an own goal that gave the visitors an early lead.
Moments later, a foul on Lexie Bennett inside the box resulted in a penalty that Taylor Latini converted, leveling the score and demonstrating composure under duress.
The second half saw FIU respond swiftly, striking back just three minutes in to regain the lead, before a caution to midfielder Maria Dogliani altered the rhythm of the game.
Kaitlin Gabelman, who had already opened her account earlier in the season, equalized at 2-2 with a well‑placed finish assisted by midfielders Kiera Morgan and Kate Friday, earning her the Player of the Match award.
Head coach Jim Blankenship praised the team's resilience, calling the result a solid foundation as they turn their focus to a September 6 clash with Florida Atlantic University.