UTEP opened the 2026 season with a strong 2-0 victory over Lamar at University Field in El Paso, Texas. The Miners outshot the Cardinals 10-2, controlling much of the match.

First-Half Goals Secure Win

Ashlee Mora led the attack into the box, resulting in an own goal by the Cardinals in the 16th minute, giving UTEP a 1-0 lead. Defender Ashlyn Neireiter joined the attack and finished a setup from Mora in the 27th minute for her first goal of the season, pushing UTEP ahead 2-0.

UTEP head coach Gibbs Keeton praised the team’s performance, saying, “For us, it’s important to start the season this way… I’m really proud of the performance as much as I am of the result. How we won is something that we haven’t seen our team do before, and now we have to continue to do that every single day.”

The Miners maintained control throughout the game, with goalkeeper Savanah Finley making a dramatic save in the 72nd minute to preserve the clean sheet. UTEP finished with advantages in shots, shots on goal, corner kicks, and possession.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.