The FGCU women’s soccer team’s 2025 season came to an end with a home loss against Bellarmine in the Atlantic Sun (ASUN) Tournament on Thursday, 3-1.
Entering the tournament as the No. 1 seed in the Graphite Division, FGCU finished its regular season play with an overall record of 11-5-2 and an 8-1-1 ASUN record.
Bellarmine finished its regular season 11-5-3 with an ASUN record of 4-5-1, good enough for fourth place in the Gold Division.
The Eagles took a hit early in the match when Bellarmine midfielder Brynn Severance scored in the 13th minute. FGCU goalkeeper Madara Matrevica attempted to tip a shot over the crossbar, only for the ball to land at the feet of Severance.
The Knights’ momentum remained strong. In the 29th minute, Bellarmine extended its lead.
FGCU’s Matrevica dove to her left and saved the initial shot with her outstretched arm. This deflection caused the ball to hit the far post, then bounce off the near post and finally land in front of Bellarmine forward Lucy von Stefenelli. By this point, the Knights had the upper hand in shots, 6-3.
FGCU had its best scoring opportunity of the first half in the 37th minute when midfielder Erika Zschuppe lobbed a pass to a streaking forward Keira Morgan, whose shot missed to the right.
As the second half went on, FGCU found it challenging to get in rhythm after Bellarmine’s two-goal half. The Eagles recorded six shot attempts in the first 15 minutes of the half, but none tested Knights goalkeeper Anna Jenkins.
Bellarmine scored its third goal of the match in the 63rd minute following a series of FGCU defensive errors in their box. After the initial shot from von Stefenelli bounced off the post, the Eagles struggled to clear the ball from danger, which allowed forward McKenzie Carle to bury a low shot.
Following the goal, the Eagles put consistent pressure on the Knights’ defense and attempted 10 shots, four of which required a save by Jenkins.
FGCU’s forward Kendal Gargiula scored a consolation goal in the 85th minute. The Eagles attempted to use the goal as momentum in the final five minutes, but were unable to record a shot on net.
The early deficit and lack of shooting efficiency hurt the Eagles. FGCU outshot Bellarmine, 22-18, but only 10 of them were on target, compared to the Knights’ 12. Goalkeepers Matrevica and Jenkins both recorded nine saves.
Despite the early tournament exit, the Eagles still have a lot to be proud of, including Zschuppe’s program season record-breaking 21 goals and an 11-win season.
