The UTEP Miners soccer team improved to 2-1 on the season after a physical meeting on the pitch against the Idaho State Bengals, Friday evening at University Field.
UTEP got the lead early and never looked back as they defeated the Bengals 2-1.
“We had to fight really hard for it, Idaho State was pressuring us, playing really physical and gave us everything we could handle,” head coach Kevin Cross said. “It took a great team effort to grind that game out.”
The Miners struck first early, as 2:41 into the first half sophomore forward Vic Bohdan scored after her shot was initially blocked by the goalie. Bohdan scored on the deflection to give the Miners the 1-0 lead. Bohdan’s goal was the 13th quickest goal in the programs history.
Bohdan was not done making plays in the first half, five minutes into the second half, Bohdan crossed the ball across the pitch to sophomore Cayla Pyane who finished the play with a shot on goal. That was initially blocked by the goalie, but Payne quickly saw her opportunity and finished the play giving the Miners a 2-0 lead.
Thirty minutes left in the second half is when the Bengals got on the board. After a saved opportunity by senior goalkeeper Alyssa Palacios, Idaho State quickly took advantage of the deflection to erase the shutout.
“I’m very happy with the way that we played even after they scored,” Payne said. “Work as a unit play together as a unit and it all played out at the end with a 2-1 score.”
Palacios was credited with four saves all in the second half.
The Miners will continue their four-game homestand on Sunday when they face University of Texas Rio Grande Valley at 1 p.m. at University Field.
