Kate Friday scored in the fifth minute, and Florida Gulf Coast University defeated the Stetson Hatters 2-0 on Oct. 18, 2026, at Pickering Field in Fort Myers, Fla. The Florida Gulf Coast Eagles became the first team in the ASUN to secure a postseason berth with the Senior Day victory. The win also closed the Eagles’ 2026 regular-season home schedule unbeaten at 5-0-4.
Florida Gulf Coast strikes twice early
Florida Gulf Coast University opened the scoring after earning a free kick in the attacking third. Sarah Greiner sent the ball into the box, where Kate Friday scored with a header for her second goal of the season. The goal gave the Eagles a 1-0 lead in the fifth minute.
The Eagles extended the lead in the 21st minute through Taylor Latini. Madara Bome launched a goal kick toward midfield, Kaitlin Gabelman moved the ball forward and Latini scored for her third goal of the season. The play also gave Bome her first assist as a Florida Gulf Coast Eagles goalkeeper.
Bome’s assist was the first by a Florida Gulf Coast University goalkeeper since Katie Sullivan recorded one during the 2021 season against North Florida. Florida Gulf Coast University nearly added another goal in the 28th minute when Megan Morgan sent a corner into the box and Friday’s attempt was saved. Friday later hit the post in the 37th minute, and the Eagles carried a 2-0 lead into halftime.
Eagles control the attack
Florida Gulf Coast University outshot the Stetson Hatters 18-4 overall and held an 11-2 advantage in the first half. Friday led the Eagles with five shots, while Latini recorded three shots and put two on target. Stetson’s best opportunity came in the 72nd minute, but a shot from inside the box went off target.
The Eagles created additional chances late but did not need another goal to finish the shutout. Bome made two saves for her fifth solo clean sheet of the season. Florida Gulf Coast University kept Stetson off the scoreboard throughout the Senior Day matchup.
Florida Gulf Coast remains atop ASUN standings
The victory gave Florida Gulf Coast University its fourth consecutive win and improved the Eagles to 8-1-5 overall and 5-0-2 in ASUN play. Florida Gulf Coast University remained atop the ASUN standings with 17 points and three matches remaining. The Eagles also improved to 21-1-1 all time against Stetson, their most wins against any opposing team in program history.
Stetson fell to 2-12-0 overall and 0-6-0 in ASUN play after losing its sixth consecutive game. The result completed Florida Gulf Coast University’s regular-season home schedule at Pickering Field. The ASUN Championships begin in early November.
What comes next
Florida Gulf Coast University is scheduled to play at Jacksonville on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 5 p.m. The Eagles are also scheduled to play at North Florida on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 1 p.m. Their next listed game at Stetson is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31, at 4 p.m.
FSB Take
Florida Gulf Coast University secured its postseason place while closing its regular-season home schedule unbeaten in Fort Myers. Friday and Latini provided the early scoring, while Bome contributed an assist and two saves in the shutout. With three matches remaining, the Eagles will continue their ASUN schedule from the top of the standings.
Source: Original report