UTEP Soccer: 8/14 vs Abilene Christian (PREVIEW)

UTEP Soccer kicks off its 2025 campaign, marking the third year of the Gibbs Keaton era, with a season opener against Abilene Christian at University Field. Playing at home to begin the season is a major advantage for the Miners, who aim to start the season strong against a familiar foe.

Last year, UTEP and the Wildcats battled to a 0-0 draw in Abilene, setting the stage for another competitive matchup. The previous encounter was a defensive showdown, with Abilene Christian’s goalkeeper Lili Ross recording four saves and UTEP’s former goalkeeper Angelina Amparano tallying five. The Miners outshot the Wildcats 9-8 overall, with a 5-3 edge in the second half. Expect a physical contest, as last year’s match saw five yellow cards, four issued to UTEP.

Both teams return key players from their 2024 rosters. Abilene Christian features goalkeeper Lili Ross, defender Gracie Kelly, and midfielder Peyton Hill, while UTEP brings back forward/striker Anita Quintero, defender Ashlyn Neireiter, and forward Mina Rodriguez. After finishing below .500 last season, both squads are eager to kick off 2025 with a win.

Abilene Christian is led by third-year head coach Stephen Salas, who holds a 9-16-10 record with the Wildcats. Salas, with extensive experience in women’s soccer, served as associate head coach from 2013 to 2018, guiding ACU to its first NCAA Tournament appearance. He took the helm in 2023 after long-time tenured head coach Casey Wilson stepped down. The Wildcats are projected to finish fifth out of six teams in the WAC’s 2025 Preseason Poll.

These evenly matched teams, with returning cores and third-year coaches, are poised for a gritty, defensive battle. Don’t miss the Miners’ season opener this Thursday at 7 p.m. MT at University Field. Tickets start at $10.

(Photo belongs to UTEP Athletics)