Ellisia Shafer

The UTEP women’s soccer team returns home after two games on the road. The Miners tied with Alabama Birmingham, 1-1, and defeated Florida Atlantic University, 2-1, in overtime.

“It was great being able to split on the road, we got a little bit unlucky at UAB, but we played really well in both games, so we are just focused on keeping the momentum going,” said senior forward Azia Nicholson.

The Miners are now 2-1-1 in conference play, preparing now to face Charlotte, which holds the same record. A challenge head coach Kevin Cross said the team is ready for.

“One thing we have shown on the road–in facing those teams–is that we have a lot of character and we are willing to sacrifice every thing,” Cross said. “They have the offensive player of the week in Amanda Jones, so they got a very good attack and they are a very good team, we are going to have to play our best soccer.”

Charlotte is on their first season in Conference USA and are in a three way tie for first place in the East Division. The Miners are currently on a three game streak after falling to Rice in the Conference USA opener.

Cross wants to take advantage of playing only one game this weekend and it will be at home.

“Coach (Cross) wants us to keep playing aggressive, one thing he is stressing is driving to the box, and attacking.” Nicholson said. “We know that if we keep doing that and driving at teams, we could be dangerous, create opportunities and we could get the results we want if we can keep that up.”

Something that the Miners have to watch out for is the 49ers attack. Amanda Jones and Jessica Ryan have scored nine of the 19 goals for the team this season–Jones with five and Jessica Ryan with four.

“A lot of my success comes from my defenders success–when they are playing well, communicating well–it makes my job a lot easier and they’ve been doing a good job at denying shots,” said junior goalkeeper Sarah Dilling. “We are in that mindset to keep playing every possession and playing hard because we are playing well. “

The Miners will host Charlotte 7 p.m., tonight at University Field.

Ellisia Shafer can be reached [email protected]