STATESBORO, Ga.- Coming off a scoreless draw in their 2026 season opener Wednesday against Houston, the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles hit the road for the first time this year on Sunday when they take on the Georgia Southern Eagles in a noon kick from Bo Pitts Field.

The Eagles head to the Peach State riding high after picking up their first result against a Big 12 opponent in program history in their opening night tie with Houston. FGCU controlled the pace in the first 45 minutes against the Cougars before getting a pair of big second half saves from sophomore keeper Madara Bome to preserve the tie and earn the point. Sometimes overlooked on the box score, the Eagles back line was outstanding in the draw with Sarah Greiner, Lily Borders, Ryanne Robinson, and Hanna Phillips all playing a full 90 minutes while keeping a physical Cougar group off the scoreboard while Kate Friday was praised for her work in the midfield by Head Coach Jim Blankenship after playing a full 90 minutes as well for the 11^th time in her career. 

With the draw, FGCU is now 6-0-2 in their last eight regular season contests and has outscored their opponents 32-2 during the stretch.

Georgia Southern got off to a good start of their own, erasing an early deficit in their season opener against North Florida to come from behind for a 2-1 win, getting the winner from Cathey Paisley in the 84^th minute for their first victory in nearly a calendar year.

The Eagles were picked 9^th in the Sun Belt Preseason Coaches Poll for the second straight season coming off of a 2-10-6 campaign in 2025.

Sunday will be the third installment of the battle of the Eagles after FGCU and Georgia Southern played a home and home during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. FGCU won both of those matchups with Marjorie Boilesen and Hope Van Wagner scoring in both contests for the Blue and Green.

Kickoff is set for noon in Statesboro and will stream live on ESPN+.

For more information on FGCU women's soccer, follow @FGCU_WSoccer on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook, and visit fgcuathletics.com.