EL PASO, Texas – The UTEP women’s soccer team enters Mountain West competition riding an unbeaten 6-0-3 record, the best start the program has seen in more than two decades. The Miners will travel to UNLV Thursday night for a 7 p.m. PT/8 p.m. MT kickoff, then return home Sunday to host San Jose State at University Field at 1 p.m. MT.
Mountain West debut
UTEP’s first conference games will be streamed exclusively on the Mountain West+ (MW+) platform. The service, built in partnership with Kiswe, offers live events, original programming and on‑demand content for Miner Nation. Subscriptions cost $79.99 per year or $10.99 per month, and fans can watch the matches at watch.themw.com/utep/soccer-womens.
UNLV showdown
UNLV (2-4-2) has struggled on the road (0-3-2) but remains solid at home, posting a 2-1 record at the Thomas & Mack Center. Senior forward Kaitlin Taylor leads the Rebels with five goals and 12 points, while goalkeeper Riley Hodson has recorded a 2.00 goals‑against average. The Miners will look to continue their defensive dominance – they have allowed only four goals in nine contests – and add to their league‑leading six goals from sophomore Zeta McDannels.
Hispanic Heritage celebration
Sunday’s home game doubles as a Hispanic Heritage event. Fans who wear a soccer jersey at the gate can purchase a $5 ticket and enjoy food specials and maraca giveaways, reinforcing the community spirit that surrounds UTEP athletics.
San Jose State challenge
San Jose State (1-4-2) earned its first win of the season by defeating Sacramento State 2-0 on Sept. 17. The Spartans have been disciplined defensively, committing just eight fouls per game and posting a league‑leading 0.844 save percentage from goalkeeper Paige Fry. Forward Abigail Peterman has contributed two of the team’s four goals.
Key players to watch
Zeta McDannels has scored six goals, leading the Mountain West and marking the most by a UTEP sophomore since 2010. Her scoring streak of three consecutive games is the longest since senior Lauren Crenshaw’s run in 2018. Forward Dannique Wilson provides the most assists on the squad with four, matching her total from last season.
Statistical highlights
- UTEP has outshot opponents 15‑6 in its most recent non‑conference tie with New Mexico State.
- The Miners have recorded five corner kicks and maintained a clean sheet in eight of their first nine games.
- UTEP’s offense has produced 15 goals and 14 assists, the highest tallies since the 2019 campaign.
- Defensively, the team has allowed just four goals, the fewest at this point in a season since 2016.
Looking ahead
UTEP aims to capture its first Mountain West road win since a 3‑2 victory at Marshall in 2019 and to secure its first conference opener win since the 2020 season (played in spring 2021). With a blend of experienced seniors and dynamic underclassmen, the Miners are poised to build on a historic start and bring pride to the El Paso community.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
