FORT MYERS, Fla. — Fresh off a 3-2 victory over Louisiana State University, the Florida Gulf Coast University women’s soccer team returns home Thursday to host Florida International University at Pickering Field, opening a five-game homestand.

The Eagles (2-1-1) enter the matchup following a two-game road swing through Louisiana, which began with a 4-0 shutout over Southern University before Sunday’s win over the Tigers—the program’s first victory against an SEC opponent since 2018.

FGCU’s attack produced seven goals across the two matches. Forward Ryleigh Acosta, a junior and Cape Coral, Florida native, scored her first two collegiate goals against Southern, while sophomore forward Keira Morgan drew a penalty kick against Southern and logged two primary assists against LSU. Senior defender Sarah Greiner and sophomore forward Kaitlin Gabelman each scored in both contests. Gabelman was named the Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Week on Monday after netting the game-tying goal against the Tigers.

FIU (0-2-2) travels to Fort Myers seeking its first victory of the season. The Panthers have scored two goals through four matches, earning 1-1 draws against Florida Atlantic University and FGCU’s ASUN foe the University of North Florida alongside losses to top-ranked programs Duke and Florida State.

Thursday marks the 18th all-time meeting between the in-state rivals, with FGCU holding a 13-2-2 series lead. FIU snapped an 11-game losing streak in the series with a 2-1 win at Pickering Field in 2024, followed by a 0-0 draw in Miami last season.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.