UTEP soccer misses shots on two non-conference games

Aylin Montanez

The UTEP Miners cheer “Picks Up!” before taking the field against Stephen F. Austin’s Lumberjacks on Aug. 31 at University Field.

Aylinne Morales, Contributor/Writer • September 9, 2025

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) soccer team (2-3-1, 0-0-0 Conference USA) played its fourth home game of the season against Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) (1-2-2, 0-0-0 Southland Conference) on Aug. 30. After a close game, SFA managed to defeat UTEP 1-0.

Spirits ran high on the field on Aug. 30, on that cloudy afternoon. Spectators were setting up folding chairs under the shade of trees at University Field before the game started. The Miners were full of energy, especially after winning 1-0 against Tarleton State just two days prior. The crowd was also excited, with both new spectators and older fans.

UTEP Midfielder Anai Lopez and Forward Hayden McMillan look for an opening to connect a pass as defenders from Stephen F. Austin close in during their match at University Field on Aug. 31. (Aylin Montanez)

As a longtime supporter and father of Lauren Varela, UTEP freshman defender, Omar Varela, shared how he felt about the new season.

“I’m feeling good. I think they [UTEP] have a lot of new players. A lot of new talent,” Varela said. “I think Coach Gibbs [Keeton] has done a good job recruiting some good players. [I’m] looking forward to it.”

Both teams started strong. SFA managed to score one goal against UTEP early in the first half of the game. UTEP, however, managed 26 shots overall at SFA, while they only shot 6. Spectators grew more passionate as the game went on, with some of them shouting at the players and calling for referees when incidents broke out.

Players on both sides started to kick into high gear, especially as halftime approached. By halftime, the score was 1-0 in favor of SFA, while the shots were 10-1.

The second half brought more tension as players started to get rougher. Nearing the end of the second half, the Miners had a chance at a shot after a foul, but the Lumberjack’s goalie was ready to block anything coming at her. The crowd shouted with passion as the timer went on, but it was made apparent that the Miners did not have enough time to recover. The game ended with SFA scoring 1-0 against UTEP, and with UTEP attaining 26-6 shots against SFA.

While the outcome might not have been what the Miners were hoping for, they managed to bring in new people to the crowd. One new fan, Vanessa, shared her thoughts on the new season.

UTEP’s scoring attempt is denied as Stephen F. Austin’s goalie, Sierra McCluer, blocks shot midair. (Aylin Montanez)

“Even though this is my first game, from watching them practice, they seem pretty good, solid, hopefully they have a good season”.

Following their game with the SFA, the Miners (2-4-1, 0-0-0, Conference USA) went on the road to Moscow, Idaho to face the Idaho Vandals (3-2-2, 0-0-0 Big Sky Conference) and were defeated 1-0.

The Vandals started off strong with a goal in the start of the half by Idaho redshirt sophomore forward Calli Chiarelli early in the half which was assisted by sophomore forward Bella Gissendanner and junior forward Georgia Whitehead.

UTEP was only able to get 2 shot attempts in the first half while Idaho locked down in defense and attempted 9 in the first half.

Idaho did have two more fouls than the Miners with eight yet, they were able to attempt four more corner kicks with six.

Aylinne Morales is a contributor at the Prospector and may be reached at [email protected].

About the Contributors

Aylinne Morales, Contributor/Writer

Aylinne Morales is a junior at the University of Texas at El Paso studying Political Science and Sociology with a minor in translation and interpretation. She is a contributor at The Prospector and a writer at Minero Magazine. After graduating, she hopes to attend law school in Texas.

Aylin Montanez, Contributor/Photographer

Aylin Montanez is a junior at the University of Texas at El Paso studying multimedia journalism with a minor in marketing. She is a photo contributor at the Prospector. She also serves as the President for the Media Marketing Society and Marketing Director for the Women in Business Association at UTEP. After graduation she hopes to become a journalist for a major entertainment magazine or work for a sports team or an artist’s management team in marketing and PR.