The UTEP soccer team (1-3) fell to Southern Utah University (4-0) in a 2-1 nail biter. Sophomore defender Justice Tillotson was able to tie the game at 1-1 deep into the matchup, but the Thunderbirds offense broke the 1-1 tie later towards the end of the game.
However, UTEP was able to rebound Sunday at Peter Johann Soccer Field and collect a win against the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. Junior defender Emerson Kidd kicked the game winning goal to break the 0-0 tie.
In the first game against the Thunderbirds, the Miners trailed early on with a score of 1-0 in the first half of this contest due to a goal made by Thunderbird freshman forward Whitney Wangsgard. Then UTEP began to tighten up defensively with the score remaining 1-0 throughout.
Later in the contest, sophomore Justice Tillotson scored her first career goal after getting a rebound to fall into the net to tie the game up at 1-1.
The Thunderbirds unfortunately were able to respond late in this game in the second half to take a 2-1 lead thanks to a penalty kick from sophomore midfielder Hailey Hamataka. Southern Utah went on to win this game 2-1.
For the second game against the Rebels, the Miners and UNLV were tied throughout the game with no team getting a goal in the first half.
In the second half, Kidd was able to put in the missed free kick by sophomore forward Maia Rodriguez, which ended up being the game winning kick, breaking the Miners losing streak and adding a win for the season.
“(I’m) proud of our effort on the weekend,” UTEP Head Coach Kathryn Balogun said in a post-game interview Aug 28. “As a young team they have faced plenty of adversity, and today’s success is a testament to their mental toughness and response on the road. Really proud of Emerson, who stepped up in a moment with confidence to find her first goal of the season.”
Sophomore midfielder Cayman Tamez played a big role in this win against the Rebels.“Really proud of Cayman, who was a beast in the middle today winning both first and second balls and really leading with her hard work and determination,” Balogun said.
UTEP was able to get 16 of UNLV shots in the afternoon, including six on the frame. The Miners rattled off five shots, with three of them being on target. The Rebels were able to attach a 14-3 edge in corners.
UTEP now has momentum on their side going into their next matchup against New Mexico State University.
The Miners travel next to Las Cruces, New Mexico to face the Aggies at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, at NMSU field.
Stats provided by UTEP Athletics.
Daniel Alec Lopez is a contributor and can be reached at [email protected]
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