COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The UTEP soccer team was upended, 3-0, in an exhibition contest at Colorado College Tuesday evening. The game was held in three, 30-minute segments as opposed to the standard two, 45-minute periods. All three UTEP goalkeepers played one segment each, combining for two saves.
UTEP finished with seven shots in the game, including two on target, to go along with a corner kick.
“It was good to see our team against good competition,” UTEP head coach Kathryn Balogun said. “Colorado College pressed well as both a team and as individual defenders. Their organization caused us to turn the ball over far too often. However, we can definitely take away some positives. It was good to see how the ladies responded to some tactical adjustments mid game, as well how the new players will fit into our vision moving forward.”
The Miners had good ball possession to start the game, but it was homestanding Colorado College that staked the early 1-0 lead with a header byHaley Harnisch to best Emily Parrott in the seventh minute. The Tigers tacked on a second goal with a back heel from Coley Lyubenko deep inside the box with 19 seconds left in the first segment.
UTEP pushed the ball up the pitch in the early stages of the second segment, with Sheyliene Patolo registering a shot just high over the goal three minutes in. On a counter attack Lyubenko tested Mariah Scott, who came up with a leaping and diving save. Kaelin Enga made it 3-0 with 36 seconds remaining in the second period.
The Orange and Blue secured a corner kick four minutes into the third segment after Ayana Noel’s shot was punched away with a dive from Abby Opperman. The home side’s bid for a fourth goal was denied with a stop from Luisa Palmen late in the match.
UTEP will open the regular season by playing against Texas Tech (Aug. 19) for the first time since 2009. The home opener is set for 1 p.m. on Aug. 22 against Abilene Christian.
Season tickets and single-game tickets for the 2021 UTEP soccer season are on sale. Fans are encouraged to call 915-747-UTEP or visit UTEPMiners.com/Tickets for more information.
For complete coverage of UTEP soccer, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @UTEPSoccer (Twitter),@UTEPMinersSoccer (Instagram) and on Facebook or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com