FIU Dominates in 4-1 Win over Delaware State

8/27/10


MIAMI - The FIU women's soccer team (2-2) notched its second win in less than 24 hours with a 4-1 victory over Delaware State (0-3) on Friday night. Senior captain Kassandra Sorzano notched the first multi-goal game of her career with two goals in the first half, including the game-winner.
At 18 minutes into the game, freshman Chelsea Leiva's shot was deflected off goalkeeper Courteney Haas' torso, and Sorzano was able to rebound the deflection and capitalized on the second opportunity.
Less than two minutes to go in the first half, she connected again after April Perry dropped in a short corner. When asked if she was slightly disappointed that she fell one score short of a hat trick, Sorzano shook her head.
"No, no," she said laughing. "I was just excited that we won. That's all that matters."
Leiva added one more goal before the break off an assist from junior Carlan Jones. The forward scored the game winner in Thursday's double-overtime match at Florida Gulf Coast, and she said that though she was slightly nervous in that game, she was thrilled to play in front of the 353 in attendance for Friday's home opener.
"I was so excited to play in front of everyone, and my parents were here," Leiva said as she nodded to the stands where her parents, Albert and Vivian, were waiting. "Every goal I score is for them."
FIU continued to dominate at the open of the second half when the Panthers drew a corner and freshman Nicole DiPerna found classmate Kim Lopez for her first career goal.
The Panthers outshot the Hornets 30-3 and forced Delaware State's keeper to come up with eight saves. In addition to Sorzano, Leiva and Lopez's goals, April Perry, Mayara da Fonseca Bordin, Deana Rossi and Kelly Hutchinson all attempted shots on goal.
"I feel we started on a good note," senior Linn Thune said. "We had a win yesterday and we had a win today. It's given us some confidence going into the next match - two Ws, mentally that means a lot. Fresno State, it's going to be a tough game but it's a fresh game and we have everything to win."
FIU continues its three-game homestand on Friday when it faces Fresno State at 7 p.m.