Editor’s Note: This is not the most recent UTEP soccer game.

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) (3-7-3, 0-2-2 Conference USA) soccer team overcame two-goal deficits to earn a 2-2 tie against Kennesaw State (1-8-4, 0-3-1 C-USA) on Oct. 4 at University Field, thrilling more than 500 fans.

Early on, Kennesaw State took control of the match. The Owls struck first in the 32nd minute when junior midfielder Brenna Young scored off a pass from junior midfielder Aly Bryan, slotting the ball past UTEP freshman goalkeeper Savanah Finley.

Moments later, Kennesaw State freshman forward Rebecca Womer capitalized on a UTEP miscue to extend the lead to 2-0 in the 35th minute of the first half.

Even with the deficit, the Miners refused to back down. Junior defender Ashlyn Neireiter kept pressure on Kennesaw State freshman goalkeeper Sara Hill with several quality attempts, while UTEP sophomore midfielder Anai Lopez forced key saves.

Despite the push, the first half ended with the Owls leading 2-0.

At halftime, the focus shifted to regrouping and staying composed as UTEP Assistant Coach Jared Hallman said the break wasn’t about making drastic changes but about motivating the players.

“We felt like we were playing really well,” Hallman said. “It was more of a pep talk for the girls. We had the better chances outside of the two goals they scored, so we just told them to keep fighting.”

Neireiter said defensive communication was another point of emphasis for the team.

“Our coach wanted us to step up and be closer together so they (Kennesaw State) couldn’t find the gaps,” Neireiter said. “We brought our energy up and spoke more to midfield and forwards. That helped everything click.”

Coming out of the locker room, the Miners played with renewed intensity, and in the 66th minute, Lopez broke through for her first collegiate goal, assisted by junior midfielder Dannique Wilson.

“It was my first goal, and I just wanted to get our momentum in our favor,” Lopez said. “Eventually, Grace got one too, and it was just a great feeling.”

That second goal came only five minutes later when freshman forward Grace Culver finished a well-placed pass from Lopez to tie the match at 2-2.

Momentum continued to swing UTEP’s way thanks to key substitutions and strong defensive play. Senior forward Hayden McMillan brought energy and toughness off the bench, helping spark the comeback.

“When Hayden’s on, she’s on, and she’s a force to be reckoned with,” Hallman said. “She changed the way we played in the first half on that side of the field.”

Meanwhile, Finley and the backline tightened up, holding Kennesaw State to just two shots on goal in the second half.

“I had to read the game and my player, and being in the right positions helped us shut them down,” Neireiter said.

After the match, McMillan credited the team’s chemistry for fueling the rally.

“It takes that one flame to ignite the whole field,” McMillan said. “We were able to come back from 2-0, and that shows our resilience.”

Looking ahead, UTEP prepares for the I-10 rivalry match against New Mexico State at University Field on Oct. 25.

“It’s the I-10 battle…why wouldn’t you want to beat New Mexico State?” McMillian said.

Throughout the match the Miners’ practiced adaptability as they overcame early struggles with a second-half surge led by Lopez, Culver, McMillan and defensive line adjustments from Neireiter.

Adrian Gonzalez Jr. is a contributor for The Prospector. He may be reached at  [email protected] and social media @adrian_gonzalez.jr