JACKSONVILLE — The Jax State soccer team dropped its third Conference USA game of the season, falling 2-1 to the reigning conference champion Florida International Panthers on Sunday afternoon at the Jax State Soccer Complex.

The Gamecocks fall to 6-5-2 overall and 0-3-0 in CUSA play on the season, while FIU improves to 6-2-3 and 3-0-0 in CUSA play.

A scoreless first half of play saw the Panthers launch a flurry of attacks against Jax State, totaling 12 shots to the Gamecock's three in the first half. Ella Holmberg earned eight saves in the first half of play.

The Panthers took to the scoreboard in the 53rd minute with a goal scored on a header by Jayden Boelter, sneaking into the right side of the net to take a 1-0 lead.

FIU would double the lead to 2-0 in the 57th minute when Roxy Brewer would take a corner kick from Boelter and tap it into the net.

In the 64th minute, Jax State's Louise Featherstone would deflect a corner kick from Alessia Donia to cut the Panthers lead in half, taking advantage of a set piece to bank Featherstone's fourth goal of the year.

The Gamecocks threatened late, but the Panthers were able to prevent the rally from going any further to remain undefeated in conference play.

Holmberg ended the day with 14 saves, a career-high, to boost her season total to 40 saves.

Jax State will welcome New Mexico State to the Jax State Soccer Complex on Saturday, October 4, for Alumni Appreciation Night and Mental Heath Awareness Night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.