Abilene Christian Edges UTEP in Season Opener

Opening Statements

In a hard-fought defensive battle, UTEP Soccer fell 1-0 to Abilene Christian in their 2025 season opener. While not the start the Miners envisioned, this loss is far from season-defining. With a 17-game schedule ahead, UTEP can put this game behind them and focus on their next challenge against Texas Southern on Sunday. Despite holding a slight edge in play, the Miners couldn’t find the back of the net. Abilene Christian capitalized on a single defensive lapse, with Amelia Leggett scoring in the 16th minute, sealing the game’s outcome. UTEP’s performance wasn’t lackluster by any means. They outshot the Wildcats 9-7 in the first half and 5-2 in the second but failed to convert their chances. The season opener often serves as a chance for teams to find their rhythm, and UTEP showed enough promise to remain competitive moving forward.

What Went Wrong?

Pinpointing UTEP’s shortcomings is tough, as they weren’t far off the mark. However, a noticeable disconnect in exploiting open spaces stood out. The Miners struggled with errant passes or tight defending, which disrupted their ability to create scoring opportunities. Building chemistry to capitalize on open drives will be key to generating more goals. Additionally, UTEP failed to seize critical moments, particularly in one-on-one situations with the goalkeeper. In a competitive Conference USA field, sharpening their finishing will be essential for success.

The Positives

Despite the loss, UTEP displayed plenty of promise. True freshman goalkeeper Savanah Finley shone in her collegiate debut, making four saves. Though she conceded Leggett’s goal in the 16th minute, Finley commanded the box with confidence, an impressive feat for a first-year starter. Sophomore Anita Quintero continued to showcase her speed, outpacing nearly every defender she faced. As she builds chemistry with her teammates, Quintero is poised to reclaim her role as UTEP’s leading goal-scorer from last season. True sophomore Ashlee Mora also stood out, excelling as both a defender and winger. Her tenacious defense frustrated Abilene Christian’s forwards, while her offensive spark nearly resulted in a goal during a one-on-one chance against Wildcats’ keeper Emma Konsmo, who recorded three saves. Mora’s versatility and physicality make her a vital asset.

Final Remarks

While a win would have been the ideal start to UTEP’s 2025 campaign, one loss doesn’t define a season—especially for a team with this much potential. With eleven true freshmen on the roster, UTEP is brimming with youthful talent, though chemistry with veterans is still developing. This youth is a strength but requires time to gel. The Miners have a prime opportunity to rebound on Sunday against Texas Southern, a familiar opponent they defeated 1-0 last season. Both teams enter the matchup hungry for a win after dropping their openers—Texas Southern fell 8-0 to New Mexico. Expect a competitive clash at University Field. Join UTEP Soccer for “Camp Day” this Sunday at 6:00 p.m. MT as they take on the Texas Southern Tigers. Tickets start at only $10.

Anita Quintero going up for a header (Photo by UTEP Athletics)