After not losing five straight matches, the UTEP Miners soccer team have lost two games on the road versus Western Kentucky University (WKU), Charlotte, and at home to the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB).
UTEP at WKU-Sept. 22
Before heading to Western Kentucky, the Miners were 3-5-2 and 0-1-2 in conference play. UTEP had just tied against LA Tech in a 2-2 nailbiter. The WKU Hilltoppers were 4-4-1 and 1-1-0 in conference play. The Hilltoppers had just come of a 0 to 1 loss versus LA Tech.
WKU got off to a hot start scoring in minute 12 thanks to junior forward Lily Rummo. The goal came from an assist from senior forward Katie Erwin.
After 12 minutes, no team managed to score a single goal. The Miners fell to the Hilltoppers 0 -1, bringing the Miners’ record to 3-6-2.
UTEP at Charlotte-Sept. 25
Prior to this matchup, the Charlotte 49ers were 3-6-2 and 2-2-0 in conference play. The 49ers had just come off a 2-0 win versus LA Tech.
The first half of this match was scoreless. UTEP senior goalkeeper Mariah Scott faced a total of 18 shots throughout the game. The Miners only mustered seven shots.
In minute 62, junior midfielder Tash Hudson scored a goal thanks to an assist from sophomore defender Kiara Pralle. This put the score at Charlotte 1, UTEP 0.
It was not long before Charlotte scored again. Graduate student Haley Shand scored the 49ers second goal of the night after an assist from sophomore forward Macey Bader.
To seal the game, Charlotte scored one final goal in minute 82 of the match. 49ers’ senior midfielder Julia Patrum passed the ball to Bader for the third and final goal of the night making the final score Charlotte 3, UTEP 0.
UTEP committed a total of 14 fouls in this matchup. That is more than double Charlotte’s 6 fouls. This allowed Charlotte more opportunities on the field and the 49ers took advantage.
UAB at UTEP-Sept. 29
Coming into this game, the UAB Blazers were 7-2-2 and 4-0-0 in conference play. The Blazers had just come off a 1-0 win against Florida Atlantic.
The first half of this match was quiet with both teams struggling to score. UAB had 17 shots throughout the game, while the Miners only produced four shots.
In minute 64, senior defender Asha Zuniga scored a goal off an assist from junior midfielder Jessica Wheeler. This put the score at UAB 1, UTEP 0. UTEP could not answer UAB’s goal leaving the game without a point. UTEP once again committed several penalties. In this match, the Miners produced 12 fouls while the Blazers had only 6.
In their past three games, the Miners were outscored 5-0. The Miners leave the month of September with only two wins.
The Miners now face Florida Atlantic University at 5 p.m. Oct. 7 at FAU Soccer Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida.
The next Miners home game will be against Middle Tennesse at 1 p.m. Oct. 16 at University Field.
Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela is the sports editor and can be reached at [email protected]: @rivasemmanuel2 on Instagram.
