With their backs against the wall and pressure of qualifying for the Conference USA Tournament mounting, the Louisiana Tech soccer team picked up its second straight win in league play, defeating FIU 2-1 Sunday afternoon in Miami.
Tech (5-9-3, 2-3-2) hosts the 2023 CUSA Championships at Robert Mack Caruthers Field at the beginning of November with only the top six teams (out of nine) qualifying for the three-day event.
Two games ago, the Bulldogs were on the outside looking in and in desperate need of two victories over their final three league games. After defeating Middle Tennessee 2-0 last week at home, head coach Steve Voltz squad went on the road and upset previously undefeated (in league play) FIU.
“I am extremely proud of these women for coming on the road and fighting for this win,” said Voltz. “It is not easy to have to fly and play, but these women did and I am very proud of them. This win doesn’t lock us in for the conference tournament, but it keeps us in the hunt. FIU is a good conference opponent, and I am very proud of them for getting this win.”
The Panthers (8-4-3, 3-1-3) entered the contest without suffering a loss through their first six CUSA games, but the upstart Bulldogs scored two goals in the first 15 minutes after halftime and held on for the win.
Junior Avery Kyle would score in the 52nd minute breaking the scoreless tie. Graduate student Jose Studer would add to the score after a 58th-minute goal via a penalty kick to push the Tech advantage to 2-0. FIU would cut into the lead with a goal from Nikole Solis assisted by Camille Sahirul but Bulldog goalkeeper Emma Duguay recorded seven saves to secure the win.
With the win, Tech moved into sixth place in the league standings with one game remaining.
LA Tech faces Liberty on Sunday at Robert Mack Caruthers Field on Senior Day. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. CT and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
