MIAMI – Florida Gulf Coast University women's soccer silenced the Florida International University Panthers Sunday, producing a late game-winner to notch a 1-0 victory at the FIU Soccer Stadium.

FGCU's (3-3-1) game-winning strike flew off Erika Zschuppe's boot in the 72nd minute. Zschuppe positioned herself in the right place at the right time.

She chased down a Kendal Gargiula shot attempt that ricocheted off the Panthers' goalkeeper in front of the goal and soon fired her first shot of the play. Zschuppe's initial strike was blocked. She stayed with the play, charged the loose ball again at the 18-yard box, and sent a successful bending strike to the lower right side of the goal.

"Great team win tonight," head coach Jim Blankenship said. "I thought the ladies battle hard and put two halves in. The result mattered against a very good FIU team."

Sunday's victory over FIU (5-2-1) closed out the Eagles' non-conference slate on a high note and also snapped a two-game skid.

FGCU matched FIU in offensive opportunities Sunday with nine shots each. All nine of FGCU's shots were on goal. Six different Eagles registered a shot.

Defensively, FGCU held one of the nation's leading goal scorers, Nikole Solis, scoreless. 

The backline prowess of Lauren Dwyer, Nellie Nygren and Elena Hinkson broke up numerous FIU scoring opportunities by cutting off scoring lanes, clearing balls and chasing down one-on-one attempts. 

Olivia Molina notched seven saves between the pipes Sunday, producing her third clean sheet of the season. Entering the match, Molina ranked ninth in the nation in total saves on the year with 41.

FGCU eyes to shift its newly gained momentum into ASUN Conference play Thursday, Sept. 14, at North Florida.