Women’s soccer battled Miami in lightning-shortened exhibition match

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Florida Gulf Coast University women’s soccer battled Miami Saturday, gaining experience in a 2-1 lightning-shortened exhibition match.

“Excited to get started, have some live action and a chance to play,” head coach Jim Blankenship said. “Overall, I was pleased and looking forward to growing this group.”

The Eagles rotated 27 players into Saturday’s match. FGCU needed only 13 minutes to strike first.

Sophomore Kendal Gargiula tracked down an early through ball and finished with a perfect chip shot over the Hurricanes’ goalkeeper. Preseason All-Sun selection Ashley Labbe and junior Katelyn Kauffman teamed up for the assist.

Miami would tie the match 1-1 in the 39th-minute courtesy of a penalty kick. After the break, the Hurricanes’ game-winning strike found the back of the net in the 63rd minute.

In the 80th minute, lightning forced both teams to call the match.

Miami outpaced FGCU in corner kicks, 5-1, and in total possession, 66 to 34 percent, but FGCU was able to rattle off six shots.

Labbe led all Eagles with three, including one shot on goal. Graduate student Grace Paradis and junior Katharina Oelschlaeger also fired a shot.

Freshman Olivia Molina earned the start between the pipes and recorded two saves.

FGCU will be back in action Thursday, August 17, for its home opener against Big Ten foe University of Iowa. First touch is at 7 p.m. and the match will be streamed on ESPN+.

For tickets, visit the FGCU Ticket Office online or at Alico Arena.