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There was no overtime needed for UTEP Women’s Soccer to get their 10th win of the season today at University Field against the visiting UTSA Roadrunners.
Freshman Sarah Mullen scored her second goal of the year to seal the victory for the Miners 2-0, its fourth in conference play. The assist for Mullen’s goal was given to senior goalkeeper Sarah Dilling who also recorded another shutout to break the all-time shutout record in UTEP history.
“I’ve been gunning for that record for a while,” Dilling said. “I couldn’t do it without my defenders, I’m glad to finally have it.”
This was the eighth time the Miners have not allowed a goal and makes it 19 in Dilling’s career.
UTEP got off to a slow start, being outshot 6-3 in the first half, with little offensive production from either side. The score was tied going into halftime and with the all too familiar overtime periods being a true possibility.
As it has been throughout the whole season, the Miners used the set piece to prevent a game from going past 90 minutes for a fifth consecutive time. UTEP packed the box as senior defender prepared to play a ball into it after a UTSA foul near midfield. As the ball went into the box sophomore midfielder Aleah Davis beat her defender to the ball and headed it into the net. The score came at the 51st minute and was Davis’ fourth of the season.
With the visiting squad pushing their lines forward looking for the equalizer, Dilling cleared a ball past the half line. Mullen outran her defender, despite starting her run a couple of steps behind her, and found herself one on one with the keeper in the 86 minute. The freshman showed the composure of a seasoned veteran as she chipped the Roadrunner keeper leaving her without any chance of preventing the Miner’s second and final goal of the afternoon.
“They’re a good team,” said Davis. “We knew all of these games were going to be good and that we have to come in playing hard, regardless of their record.”
UTEP is now tied with four other teams for second place in the conference, just a game behind the leader North Texas.
“It was great team effort, we used most of the roster today,” said Miner head coach Kevin Cross. “We’re really pleased to get the win.”
The Miners continue their final home stand of the year against Florida Atlantic University and Florida International, on Friday and Sunday respectively.
Luis Gonzalez may be reached at [email protected]
