UTEP’s Streak Lives On in Abilene
The University of Texas at El Paso’s soccer side continued its impressive start to the season, playing to a 0-0 stalemate against Abilene Christian University. The result extended the Miners’ unbeaten run to four games, the longest such streak in the program over the past decade.
Savanah Finley, the sophomore custodian, was the linchpin of the performance, logging five saves that kept the score level. Her effort represented a season‑best outing and secured her second clean sheet of the campaign, following a dominant 5‑0 victory over Sul Ross State earlier in the year.
Defensively, UTEP has been nearly impenetrable, conceding only a single goal across the four‑match stretch — the fewest goals allowed in any four‑game span since 2014. That lone tally came on a penalty kick during a 1‑1 draw with Tarleton State, underscoring the rarity of any breach.
Challenges and Opportunities
The match was not without its tense moments. Multiple offside decisions and a flurry of defensive challenges tested the Miners’ composure, while ACU’s goalkeeper, Bella Medrano, was forced into five saves of her own as UTEP generated nine shots. Despite the pressure, the Miners’ attack was repeatedly thwarted by offside calls and fouls in the closing minutes, preventing a late winner.
Looking ahead, UTEP will travel to face Northern Arizona University on August 30 at 2 p.m. MDT. The upcoming road test offers a chance to maintain the defensive standards set in Abilene while seeking the first goal of the season away from home.