On “Senior Night” at University field the UTEP Miners soccer team and Old Dominion University ended in a 2-2 tie after double overtime.
UTEP improved to 7-8-3, 2-5-2, while ODU 7-6-4, 4-3-2. Both teams are fighting for points as we head to the final game of the season. The top eight teams determined by points advance to the Conference USA tournament.
“It just sucks. I feel like we should be winning these games we’re working really hard to pull out these wins and we’re just getting unlucky every single time and you can never blame one player or one play,” said sophomore Anna Jimmerson. “It’s just a team effort and I think we’re all working hard and I’m proud of us. I wish we could have got your senior night.”
UTEP honored its five seniors, goalkeeper Alyssa Palacios, defender Payton Ross, defender Carleigh Simmons, forward Sheridan Smith, and midfielder Jodie Enokson.
The first goal of the game came for ODU in the four-minute mark. When senior forward Natalie Johnson received the ball off a cross and scored on a header.
UTEP struggled in the first 20 minutes till they started to get some momentum going. Until coach Kevin Cross made a group substitution that played the difference.
“The game changers came on because we weren’t pressuring them (and) just letting them play,” Cross said.
Sophomore Cayla Payne crossed the ball and was awarded the assist on Jimmerson’s fourth goal of the season. Jimmerson scored the equalizer at the 25th minute.
UTEP then took the lead in the 45th minute when junior Lauren Crenshaw scores her seventh goal of the season. Crenshaw scores off a free kick from 20 yards out.
It remained scoreless till ODU scores the equalizer in the 78th minute.
Both teams exchanged moments of where they could edge out their opponent and win the game. UTEP has an opportunity at the end of regulation but was called for offsides.
Crenshaw has an opportunity to win the game for the Miners but missed the shot.
Sophomore goalkeeper Caley Leask made her fourth consecutive start of the season, she saved four goals.
The Miners were the first team to score on ODU in the last 527 minutes.
The Miners are on the road for their last game of the season against UTSA on Friday, Oct. 26
