RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros women's soccer team fell against the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Miners Thursday, 2-1, at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex Thursday.
In the 64th minute, sophomore Amy Romero launched a shot from the far-left wing with her left boot, that sailed over the diving UTEP goalkeeper Savanah Finley to give UTRGV a 1-0 lead. The transfer from St. Thomas, who came to UTRGV with head coach Nataki Stewart, celebrated with her bench as the crowd roared in excitement. Romero scored her second goal of the season and notched her fifth point on the year, both are second on the team this season.
UTEP quickly answered back and stopped any momentum UTRGV had. In the 69th and 73rd minute, Zeta McDannels scored her third and fourth goals of the season, that was assisted by Bethleham Daniel and Haylee Lancaster, respectively.
The Vaqueros never gave up as they jostled for position and put themselves in scoring opportunities. UTRGV did not go down without a fight as freshman Anuhea Aalona took two shots on goal that found the hands of Finley in the 80th and 84th minute.
The first half was a tale of aggression as both squads combined for 12 fouls. The Vaqueros back line did not allow a goal on 10 shots from the Miners.
Junior Veronica Pacione was solid in net with five saves in the first half and added two in the second for a season-high seven saves.
Both teams battled and produced 26 total shots, UTEP outshot UTRGV 16-10 with a 10-7 shot on goal advantage. The Miners also had five corners to the Vaqueros two.
The Vaqueros return home to the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex for a Sunday morning match against Concordia, which is scheduled to start at 11 a.m.
All matches held at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex will be free and open to the public. Gates open at 10 a.m.
Fans can tune in domestically on ESPN+ or internationally through Southland International or follow along through live stats.
UTRGV Athletics has a clear bag policy for spectators attending all athletic events hosted by UTRGV. You can get all the details here.
