On Sunday afternoon in Abilene, Texas, the University of Texas at El Paso women’s soccer team earned a 0‑0 draw against the Abilene Christian Wildcats. Sophomore goalkeeper Savanah Finley recorded a season‑high five saves, matching ACU’s netminder Bella Medrano and securing her second shutout of the season.
The result leaves the Miners unbeaten on the year at 2‑0‑2, while the Wildcats remain winless at 0‑1‑1. UTEP’s four‑game unbeaten start is the best opening stretch for the program in a decade; the 2016 squad began 4‑0‑2 before suffering its first loss.
Game details
UTEP generated nine shots, forcing ACU’s goalkeeper into five saves. Early in the match, off‑side calls halted both teams’ initial forays into the opponent’s half. Finley made a key save on an eighth‑minute strike from Nia Leslie, pushing the ball wide for a corner.
Abilene’s Zeta McDannels attempted a goal in the 14th minute, but her shot missed the frame. Finley was called upon again within two minutes, stopping a 17‑minute attempt by Leslie and another effort from Shakira Kafero‑Roberts a minute later.
The first half remained tight, with UTEP’s best chance coming from a floating shot by Ava Grosso in the 45th minute that sailed over the bar. The second half saw continued pressure from the Miners. A corner in the 56th minute allowed Ashlyn Neireiter to strike on target, forcing Medrano to punch the ball over the crossbar. Neireiter earned another chance a minute later, but the ball drifted wide.
Finley continued to protect the net, denying a 60‑minute attempt from Addison Christian Briscoe and later stopping a close‑range header by the same player in the 69th minute. The Miners’ offense persisted, with a series of corner kicks creating opportunities, but ACU’s defense held firm.
In the final minutes, Finley rose to claim a corner in the 86th minute despite being fouled. Off‑side calls and a late foul ended UTEP’s remaining chances, and the match concluded without a goal.
Season context
Finley’s performance adds to a strong defensive record for UTEP. The Miners have allowed only one goal in four matches, the fewest since 2014 when they posted four consecutive shutouts to start a season. Finley’s lone goal of the year came on a penalty kick in a 1‑1 draw at Tarleton State on August 20.
UTEP will close its three‑game road swing with a matchup against Northern Arizona University at 2 p.m. MDT on August 30.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
