On Thursday, the FIU women’s soccer team played a three-period, 105 minute exhibition match against the pre-season No.15 Aggies of Texas A&M. Although they dropped a 3-1 decision, the Golden Panthers more than held their own against the defending Big 12 regular season champions.

“It was a good chance to see where we are so early in the preseason,” said head coach Thomas Chestnutt. “A&M tested us in every facet of the game, but being able to stand up to that test this early in the preseason...the girls did a great job.”

Playing with just 16 players, FIU battled the Aggies to a scoreless tie through the first 45 minutes. However, the Aggies struck in the second minute of the second period, taking a 1-0 lead.

The lead didn’t last long, as an A&M miscue tied the score at one goal apiece due to an own goal. Claudia Cardenas went up to play a ball off a corner kick, and the ball deflected off an A&M defender and into the net.

The score remained tied through the second period, but the Aggies took a 2-1 lead in the second minute of the third period. A&M later tacked on a third goal to bring the final tally to 3-1.

“We still have a lot of work to do,” said Chestnutt. “But it’s very encouraging.”

The match was played at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. FIU will have its alumni game on Saturday at 5 p.m. at University Park.