FIU and WKU Trade Penalties in 1-1 Draw

MIAMI, FL – FIU faced Western Kentucky at Leyva Family Field, which ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw. The Panthers entered their fifth CUSA game of the year, looking to improve their 1-3 conference record. This is now the third time in a row these two programs have faced off, and the final result ended in a draw. FIU is now 4-14-5 all time vs. the Hilltoppers and will regroup to finish off their last three games of the year.

Two Penalties, One Deadlocked Half

BIG BOOT from the sophomore 🥾 https://t.co/jONmndnnmh pic.twitter.com/5ASyzC2O2O

— FIU Women's Soccer (@FIUWSoccer) October 18, 2026

Western Kentucky got the game rolling with the first penalty kick opportunity of the game at the 12-minute mark. After officials called Kelsi Hart for her first foul of the game, WKU’s Makenna Egan converted the penalty kick to give the Hilltoppers a 1-0 lead. However, that lead didn’t last long; three minutes later, FIU earned a penalty kick opportunity of their own. After an Abby Wiedermann WKU foul, FIU Roxy Brewer scored the game-tying goal at the 15-minute mark.

After the two penalty kicks, the rest of the first half was a stalemate between the two CUSA rivals. The Panthers attempted six more shots to try to push ahead in this one, but WKU goalie Mia Riddick held her own with four saves.

Defenses Hold Firm

Final

WKU 1, FIU 1 pic.twitter.com/fugA7avURw

— FIU Women's Soccer (@FIUWSoccer) October 18, 2026

The FIU defense made their mark by holding WKU to just six shot attempts. For the Panthers, it was their second-fewest shots allowed all season. As far as the Hilltoppers, this was their first game held to under seven shot attempts all season. Whenever these two teams have faced each other, it has always come down to which defense would break first. The two programs have scored just six goals and recorded three draws across their last four matchups.

Whats Next

FIU is now 1-3-1 in conference play this year and currently sits in 9th place in the CUSA standings. With three conference games remaining, FIU will need to run the table in order to rise up in the standings. The Panthers are now 4-6-4 and will look for win number five on October 22nd vs. Sam Houston.

About Post Author

Sebastian Clavijo

See author's posts