The FGCU women’s soccer team faced the Mighty Banyans from New College of Florida at Pickering Field at the FGCU Soccer Complex on Saturday, Nov. 2. They secured a 4-0 win to end the regular season with an 11-5-2 record.

This game was added to their schedule because they received a two-week bye in the semifinals of the ASUN Tournament. The team wanted to utilize it as a tune-up game for their matchup in preparation for their game against Eastern Kentucky University in a week’s time. 

After claiming regular season champions, the Eagles are the No. 1 overall seed and will host the ASUN Championship.

FGCU’s midfielder Erika Zschuppe scored the game’s first goal in the eleventh minute. Midfielder Katharina Oelschlaeger and forward Kendal Gargiula assisted the goal. Zschuppe’s goal marked her tenth goal of the season.

Zschuppe’s goal created the momentum for the game. 

The Eagles played a majorly offensive game, with 36 shots on goal, 13 of them in the first half. The Bayans had four shots on goal in the game, but only one of those shots was in the first half as they played a more defensive game.

“It’s crucial to set the tone of the game for everyone and not just me,” Zschuppe said. “On top of that, it gets us going, it gets us going. I feel like scoring first is always good, and to have the lead.” 

In the second half of the game, Zschuppe scored another goal, which put her goals at 11 for the season. Gargiula assisted the goal. FGCU kept the momentum, putting up 23 shots at goal in the second half.

Forward Katelyn Kauffman scored a penalty kick in the last 10 minutes of the game. This occurred when a Bayans player committed a foul in their penalty box. That goal put FGCU at 3-0. 

Minutes later, Eagles’ midfielder Lindsey Saad scored their fourth goal of the game assisted by midfielder Grace Sodermark. This was the final goal in an Eagles 4-0 shutout.

FGCU’s women’s soccer team will play in the ASUN Women’s Soccer Championship against No. 5 Eastern Kentucky in the Semifinal round. The game will be held on Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Pickering Field. The Eagles will advance to the ASUN finals if a win is secured. 

“It’s important to stay in rhythm, it’s a good result,” FGCU coach Jim Blankenship said. “Anytime you get a chance to play, you can grow from it. It just keeps everybody mentally sharp and to know what’s coming, then having a long weekend off.”