Tag Archives: UTEP Soccer

The UTEP soccer team (1-1-2) will put its two-match unbeaten streak (1-0-1) on the line when it plays host to Texas State (7 p.m. MT Friday) and Southern Utah (12 p.m. MT Sunday) this weekend.

“It’s always good to be home in front of our fans,” UTEP head coach Kathryn Balogun said. “We want to give the fans two good games this weekend. As we continue to grow as a team it is going to be important that we not only start strong but finish strong.”

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for kids, and may be purchased by calling (915) 747-5234.

Series History Vs. Texas State

UTEP is 11-2-1 all time against Texas State. The Miners are riding a five-match unbeaten streak against the Bobcats, including a 1-0 win on Sept. 4, 2016, in their most-recent contest.

Series History Vs. Southern Utah

UTEP has won all three prior matches with Southern Utah. The two programs squared off three straight seasons from 2012-14, with the most-recent result being a 4-0 Miner victory on Sept. 5, 2014.

Quick Overview On Texas State

Texas State has surged out of the gates at 4-0 on the season, aided by three shutouts. All four of the wins have been by one goal, including a 2-1 overtime triumph against Houston Baptist last time out (9/1/19). The Bobcats have reached double digits in wins in four of the past five seasons.

Kaylee Davis paces the attack with three goals while Genesis Turman and Bailey Peschel each have one tally. Heather Martin has started three of four games in net, making 10 saves while conceding just one goal.

Quick Overview On Southern Utah

Southern Utah has been saddled with an 0-3 start to the season, including falling 1-0 against California Baptist last time out (9/1/19). The Thunderbirds have been shut out in all three of their matches while conceding a total of 12 goals. They finished 2-15-1 last year, with both wins coming at home.

Balanced Attack

Four different Miners have found the back of the net in 2019. Senior Danielle Carreon has a pair of goals to lead the team while senior Lauren Crenshaw, senior Kori Lewis and sophomore Jojo Ngongo have also scored.

Getting Defensive

After conceding a pair of goals in back-to-back games to start the season, the Miners allowed one tally total in two road contests last week. UTEP won, 2-1, at GCU (8/29/19), with the goal coming off a penalty kick. The Miners followed that up by posting their first shutout of the season while playing to a scoreless draw at UTRGV (9/1/19).

Freshmen Power

UTEP has 11 true freshmen on the roster in 2019, its highest total since carrying 14 in 2000. The newcomers comprise nearly half of the squad (11 of 24). Ten of them have earned playing time thus far in 2019, including five who have secured at least one starting nod.

Youth Served In Goal

For the first time since 2008, UTEP is relying exclusively on a freshman goalkeeper. Newcomers Zoey Lopez (Montwood HS) and Emily Parrott (Lone Star HS) have both seen action. Parrott has started three of four matches, making 15 saves and recording one shutout. Lopez had a quartet of saves before getting injured in the match against Abilene Christian (8/25/19).

Getting It Done In League Play

First-year head coach Kathryn Balogun has a history of success in conference action. During her five seasons (2014-18) at the helm of Texas Southern, she compiled a record of 31-13-7 in Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC) contests. Her squad produced winning marks in SWAC action and advanced to the league tournament in all five seasons.

The Basic Facts

UTEP is in its 24th season as a program, boasting an all-time record of 255-176-36. The Miners (1-1-2) are under the direction of first-year head coach Kathryn Balogun. She is assisted by Stewart Givens and Kate Ward and volunteer assistant coach Michael Balogun.

UTEP Soccer on Social Media

For complete coverage of UTEP soccer, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @UTEPSoccer (Twitter), @UTEPMinersSoccer (Instagram) and on Facebook or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com.

EDINBURG, Texas- Freshman GK Emily Parrott recorded four saves to help the UTEP soccer team play to a scoreless draw at UTRGV Sunday afternoon.

“I’m very proud of the team’s hard work to close out both games this weekend,” UTEP head coach Kathryn Balogun said. “I’m really pleased with the girls for earning their first shutout of the year against a quality opponent in UTRGV. It was a tough weekend on the road with three time zones and two tough games. There are a lot of positives to take away this weekend.”

The Miners (1-1-2) recorded four shots on goal against the Vaqueros (2-1-1). UTEP’s defense also stepped up to fight off nine corner kicks by the home side.

It was a defensive-minded first half for UTEP, which accounted for both shots on goal in the frame. Tessa Carlin unleashed a blast that Vaquero GK Kinga Szemik handled in the 22nd minute. Two minutes later off the hydration break a ball was played ahead to Ayana Noel. She tracked it down and fired a shot from just inside the box but Szemik tracked it well to make the save.

All three corner kicks in the opening half were by the home side, including back-to-back services in the 17th minute, but the Orange and Blue defense fought them off.

Parrott snuffed out a chance two minutes into the second half by using good anticipation to cut off a cross across the goal mouth. In the 48th minute a shot from Elina Seppala was deflected as is screamed in on net, but Parrott showed off tremendous reflexes to save it by jabbing out her knee.

Lauren Crenshaw tried a shot from distance that was tracked well and saved by Szemik in the 57th minute. Parrott came up big with consecutive saves on respective shots by Emily Zapata and Maya Chitman in the 72nd minute. UTEP then fended off the corner kick.

The Miners secured a corner of their own in the 85th minute, but they couldn’t convert. UTEP had another opportunity with a free kick from the top of the box in the final minute of regulation, but the shot sailed high.

The Orange and Blue created good pressure at the onset of overtime, earning a corner kick. The ball was served into the area but it couldn’t be finished.

UTRGV’s best chance in the first OT was wiped away after UTEP caught it offside following a free kick.

In the second OT stanza the Miners’ defense came up big by blocking away a pair of shots. UTEP then raced up the pitch in the final minute of the contest but Szemik came off her line to clear away a potential chance.

UTEP will look to push its unbeaten streak to three hwen it plays host to Texas State at 7 p.m. MT Friday. The Miners will then wrap up the weekend at home against Southern Utah at 12 p.m. MT on Sept. 8. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for kids, and may be purchased by calling (915) 747-5234.

PHOENIX – UTEP received goals from Jojo Ngongo (14’) and Danielle Carreon (82’) and freshman GK Emily Parrott delivered five saves in a 2-1 win at GCU Thursday evening.

Tessa Carlin recorded her third assist in as many matches in setting up Ngongo’s first goal of the season.

The Miners (1-1-1) remain perfect in the series with the Lopes (1-2-0), picking up their fourth win in as many tries. It also marks the first victory in the Kathryn Balogun era.

“I’m really proud of the team’s second-half effort, especially the last 20 minutes,” Balogun said. “They grinded it out, won the first and second balls. They got it to the corner like we were asking them to do. It is a tough and long weekend. We need to be solid again on Sunday (at UTRGV).”

Four of Parrott’s save came in the first half. GCU’s Emma Anderson (68’) converted a penalty kick to spoil the otherwise perfect night in net for the GK.

UTEP wiped out an offensive opportunity for the home side by catching GCU offside in the 11th minute. Less than three minutes later, the Miners got on the board. Carlin crossed it into the area to Ngongo, who buried it past Garthwaite with a one-time touch.

Parrott was called upon for the first time of the tilt by turning away a shot from Camryn Larson in the 15th minute. At the other end of the pitch Carlin was denied by Garthwaite three minutes later. Parrott delivered three mores saves in the frame, including a point-blank stop on a shot from Raeanne Jones with 25 seconds to play in the period. The freshman GK also showed good form by punching away a service off a corner.

GCU had a promising look in the 54th minute, but for the second time in the match the UTEP wall blocked away a shot off a set piece. The Miners possessed as the half wore on, but a foul in the box gave the Lopes a penalty kick. Anderson converted the golden opportunity, sneaking it into upper 90’s territory past Parrott.

Carreon looked to put UTEP back ahead but her shot whistled high in the 71st minute. Crenshaw fired inches with in the 78th minute. On a counter attack Parrott robbed Jaycee Iranshad by pushing a shot just wide.

The Orange and Blue went back on the offensive, this time finding pay dirt. A shot from Adrianna Jimmerson was initially saved by Garthwaite but Carreon hustled down the loose change and put it away. It marked her second goal of the campaign, and it proved to be the match winner.

UTEP will look to make it a perfect road swing when it plays at UTRGV at 12 p.m. MT Sunday.

For complete coverage of UTEP soccer, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @UTEPSoccer (Twitter), @UTEPMinersSoccer (Instagram) and on Facebook or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com.

The UTEP soccer team will hit the road for the first time in 2019 with matches at GCU (8 p.m. MT Thursday) and at UTRGV (12 p.m. MT Sunday).

“This weekend will be two good games on the road,” UTEP head coach Kathryn Balogun said. “Up first will be GCU, which also had a tough loss on Sunday. We expect them to come out very strong Thursday in their home opener. It will be a good test of how we come back and execute our gameplan. We will then make the trip across the state to UTRGV, which always has a good team and did really well in the WAC last year. Both of these games are an opportunity for us to introduce our younger players to the travel demands present in C-USA.”

The Miners (0-1-1) will be on the road for four of the next six contests, including this week’s tilts against the Lopes (1-1-0) and the Vaqueros (1-1-0).

Keeping It Tight

UTEP trailed for a combined total of six minutes and 29 seconds (out of 200 minutes) during its opening week of action against Wyoming (T, 2-2, 8/22/19) and Abilene Christian (L, 2-1, 8/25/19). The Miners led for 62 minutes against ACU, compared to being behind for one minute and 15 seconds. In the tilt vs. Wyoming, UTEP was down for a total of five minutes and 14 seconds.

Long Time Coming

Senior Kori Lewis scored her first career goal in the match-up with ACU on Aug. 25. The tally came in her 51st career game. It marked the initial time since 2013 (Kenah Linger) that a three-year Miner letter winner produced their first goal during their senior season. Ashleigh Decker (2006) and Kat McShane (2002) are also members of the unique club at the school.

Making Plays

Freshman Tessa Carlin registered an assist against both Wyoming (8/22/19) and ACU (8/25/19). She becomes the first Miner to have at least one helper in each of the first two games of the season since Skye Schultz also did so in 2012.

Series History Vs. Grand Canyon

UTEP has won all three previous meetings with GCU, including posting a 2-1 victory (8/31/18) last season. Thursday’s contest will be the second between the programs to take place in Phoenix.

Series History Vs. UTRGV

UTEP is 1-1 against UTRGV, with both prior matches coming at University Field. The Miners won the first meeting, 1-0, in 2016 (9/18/16) but were upended at home, 3-2, last year (8/26/18).

Quick Overview On GCU

GCU is 1-1 on the year after splitting its road trip through the “Sunshine State” to start the season. The Lopes knocked off Stetson, 1-0, in their season opener (8/22/19) before being drilled by Conference USA member Florida Atlantic, 7-1 (8/25/19).

They played the final 30 minutes with 10 individuals after a red card, conceding three tallies in that time frame. GCU returned seven starters and 15 letter winners overall from last year’s team (6-13-2).

Quick Overview On UTRGV

UTRGV is off to a 1-1 start on the season, including stomping Alabama State, 6-0, last time out (8/24/19). Sarah Bonney (three) and Emily Zapata (two) have provided the bulk of the scoring.

The Vaqueros brought back eight starters and 18 letter winners overall from last year’s team (12-6-3). The 12 overall wins established a program record while UTRGV also posted its best finish in WAC (tied for second) after going 6-1-1 in league play.

The Basic Facts

UTEP is in its 24th season as a program, boasting an all-time record of 254-176-35. The Miners (0-1-1) are under the direction of first-year head coach Kathryn Balogun. She is assisted by Stewart Givens and Kate Ward and volunteer assistant coach Michael Balogun.

UTEP has 11 true freshmen on the roster in 2019, its highest total since carrying 14 in 2000. The newcomers comprise nearly half of the squad (11 of 24). Eight of the newcomers earned playing time on the pitch in UTEP’s opening weekend, including five who earned at least one starting nod.

For the first time since 2008, UTEP is relying exclusively on a freshman goalkeeper. Newcomers Zoey Lopez (Montwood HS) and Emily Parrott (Lone Star HS) both started a match in the opening week of action, combining for 10 total saves (six by Parrott, four by Lopez).

First-year head coach Kathryn Balogun has a history of success in conference action. During her five seasons (2014-18) at the helm of Texas Southern, she compiled a record of 31-13-7 in Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC) contests.

Her squad produced winning marks in SWAC action and advanced to the league tournament in all five seasons.

For complete coverage of UTEP soccer, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @UTEPSoccer (Twitter), @UTEPMinersSoccer (Instagram) and on Facebook or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com.

Senior Kori Lewis tallied her first career goal (9′) but visiting Abilene Christian received a pair of second-half strikes from Natalie Jones (71′ and 89′) to sneak past UTEP, 2-1, at University Field Sunday afternoon.

Tessa Carlin and Haley Vaughan were credited with assists on Lewis’s goal. Zoey Lopez (four) and Emily Parrott (two) combined to register six saves for the Miners (0-1-1). Erin Smith delivered five saves for the Wildcats (2-0-0).

“There’s a lot of good things we can take from today but there was obviously some frustration at the end,” UTEP head coach Kathryn Balogun said. “Our response needs to be a little bit better. We have to get better at closing out games. When we have the situation in hand, we have got to keep it that way.”

UTEP got on the board in the ninth minute. The Miners strung together passes from Carlin and Vaughan to set up Lewis in the box. She took one dribble to compose herself before slicing a shot into the lower, left corner past Smith.

The Wildcats earned their first corner kick in the 12th minute, but UTEP fought it off. Midway through the stanza a foul on UTEP gave ACU a look on a set piece but Lopez left her line to take care of the service with a quality punch.

The Miners earned a pair of corners in the frame, but couldn’t take advantage. ACU had another opportunity in the 41st minute, but Jackie Miller cleared the service away with a header.

Lopez asserted herself well in the opening minute of the second half, using picture-perfect technique in a one vs. one sliding save to snuff out the opportunity for Samantha Vestal. UTEP looked to push its advantage to 2-0 in the 52nd minute but Jojo Ngongo’s shot was secured by Smith. Lauren Crenshaw then created a scoring chance only to have her shot blocked by the ACU defense. UTEP couldn’t capitalize on the ensuing corner kick.

Lopez delivered another save in the 58th minute, stoning Emily Heidman on a point-blank opportunity.

There was back-and-forth action in the 67th minute, with both keepers delivering quality saves to keep the score at 1-0 in favor of the home side. Lopez pushed a chance by Brooke Lenz high and off the crossbar.

Following the hydration break, ACU’s Jones found some space to work with and floated a shot past the outstretched hands of Parrott. Jones provided her second goal of the game in the waning minutes of the contest, intercepting a pass and taking it alone to bury a shot past Parrott.

UTEP will be back in action when it hits the road for the first time of the season with matches at GCU (8 p.m. MT Thursday) and UTRGV (12 p.m. MT Sept. 1).

For complete coverage of UTEP soccer, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @UTEPSoccer (Twitter), @UTEPMinersSoccer (Instagram) and on Facebook or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com.

UTEP soccer senior Lauren Crenshaw has accomplished a lot in her three years with the Miners.

She’s been an All-Conference USA performer. She’s earned both C-USA Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week Awards. But for her final act as a senior in 2019, she has aspirations that go beyond any individual accolade; she wants to be a leader for first-year head coach Kathryn Balogun’s young squad. It is an especially important task, given that nearly half of the Miners’ roster (11 of 24) will be freshmen.

“It’s definitely a big responsibility with 11 freshmen and only three seniors,” Crenshaw noted. “It definitely makes me feel like a mom almost on the team. I’m responsible for them in teaching them how things go not only with college but with life. Balancing school and soccer is really hard but I think it’s really good (that they learn).”

It is a role Crenshaw is certainly prepared for. She has been a staple in the lineup after arriving in the Sun City in 2016, starting 56 of 57 games played. The Gilbert, Arizona, native has displayed a versatile skillset that has allowed her to compile 29 points (11 goals, seven assists) while playing both as a defender and midfielder.

In years past, Crenshaw has chosen to lead by example. Yet she understands that with a new coaching staff in place and a young squad overall, a more intentional leadership approach is required this fall.

“I’ve now taken more of the role of leading more with my words,” Crenshaw said. “(I’m) encouraging people and telling them the right from the wrong. It’s really important to me because UTEP soccer is part of a family. If I don’t take care of my family and do what I need to do on the field and be on a leader, then I take it personally.”

As far as getting ready for the season, though, it was business as usual for the three-year starter.

“I’ve always prepared myself pretty well,” Crenshaw stated. “I know I need to be fit. I know I need to come back strong and healthy. This summer, I don’t think I’ve done anything different than I’ve done in the past.”

Aside from setting an example for her younger teammates, Crenshaw will also play a vital role in the team acclimating to a new style of play under Balogun.

“The style of play is a lot different, which I think will be good in developing us,” Crenshaw said. “We are going to be a lot more defensively organized. I think our goal mainly is not to give up a lot of goals, like we did last year. Offensively, we want to be possessing a lot more and hopefully controlling the game.”

As far as the way she has played, Crenshaw knows that it will be a different approach for her in 2019. At the same time, though, she believes that it will be beneficial for her.

“I’m definitely more of a runner,” Crenshaw said. “I like to run at people a lot more and like to high pressure people a lot more, but I think this is good for me as well to learn how to play different styles and with different people.”

Changing coaches, let alone styles, prior to a senior year is not an easy situation. But Crenshaw has not let it diminish her demeanor, as evidenced by her efforts in the season-opening draw against Wyoming on Aug. 22. She started the match at outside back, and used her unique skillset to provide the game-tying goal in the 76th minute.

“I’m super excited,” Crenshaw said. “The three years I’ve had here so far have been really good. It’s gone by really quick. I’m excited. Hopefully I can make a lasting impression on the soccer program, and not only that but the girls as well.”

Above all, though, she wants to give everything she has for the betterment of her teammates and the program as a whole during her final go around.

“My goal individually is to leave on a good impression,” Crenshaw said. “I told myself that whether we go 0-20 or 20-0, I just want to know that I gave everything I had to this program and left it all out there.”

For complete coverage of UTEP soccer, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @UTEPSoccer (Twitter), @UTEPMinersSoccer (Instagram) and on Facebook or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com

Seniors Danielle Carreon (24’) and Lauren Crenshaw (76’) each found the back of the net to help the UTEP soccer team battle to a 2-2 draw against Wyoming in the season opener for both teams at University Field Thursday evening.

“There’s a lot to build on from tonight,” UTEP head coach Kathryn Balogun said. “We just came back and found the back of the net twice. I can’t be more proud of those types of things. They responded really well.”

The Cowgirls (0-0-1) jumped out to respective leads of 1-0 and 2-1 behind goals from Jami Tatum (23’) and Indianna Asimus (76’) but both times the Miners (0-0-1) countered. Freshman Emily Parrott registered four saves, including two in double overtime, to secure a quality result in her collegiate debut.

The match was delayed more than an hour due to lightning in the area, but once it got going the youth-laden Orange and Blue played stride for stride with a Wyoming squad that earned a share of the Mountain West regular-season crown a year ago.

Parrott was called upon for the first time of her career in the 11th minute, turning away a soft header from Asimus. Crenshaw got a great look in the 16th minute, unleashing a blast that whistled just wide of the frame.

The visitors took advantage of a miscommunication on a pass along the back line, leading to Tatum smacking the shot past Parrott in the 23rd minute. The Miners regrouped immediately, finding the equalizer 80 seconds later. Tessa Carlin played the ball to the back post to a cutting Carreon, who hammered home the header.

Carreon was in search for her second goal of the game early in the second stanza, but she was turned away on a blast from outside the box by Hannah Lee. The Miners’ defense came up big with a blocked shot by Emerson Kidd on a rocket from Tori Parker in the 69th minute.

Carreon was knocking on the door again in the 75th minute, eliciting a diving stop by Lee. The Cowgirls then raced up the pitch, earning a free kick from just outside the box. Asimus snuck the ball around the wall and past Parrott to put the Cowgirls back ahead, 2-1. But just like the first half, UTEP countered. This time it was Crenshaw doing the damage. She found some space to work with from the top of the box, rifling it home past a diving Lee.

Parrott came up with a stop early in the OT period, gobbling up the shot from Asimus in the 93rd minute.

UTEP generated its own pressure in the 99th minute. Kam Fisher’s shot was blocked by the defense. The Orange and Blue kept possession, allowing Crenshaw a chance to be the hero. She deftly bent a shot toward upper 90’s country only to have Lee make a leaping save.

Parrott recorded a pair of saves in the second OT stanza while Lee came up with one stop.

UTEP will return to the pitch against Abilene Christian at 1 p.m. Sunday. The #ElPasoStrong initiative will continue. There will also be the “Youth Day” promotion for Sunday’s contest, with a post-game autograph session on the docket. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for kids and may be purchased by calling (915) 747-5234.

The UTEP soccer team will christen the Kathryn Balogun era with home match-ups against Wyoming (7 p.m. Thursday) and Abilene Christian (1 p.m. Sunday).

“We are excited to get started with two home games this weekend,” Balogun said. “The team and staff have worked hard this preseason in preparation while learning and growing together. Wyoming always brings a great game, and it will be a great test to start our season. It’s always an outstanding atmosphere at University Field. Thank you to our loyal fans. We are honored to support the healing process here in El Paso with #ElPasoStrong. Our soccer community was directly affected, and we are dedicated to playing our best for our community and fans.”

Thursday’s match-up will be the #ElPasoStrong game, with the Miners wearing #ElPasoStrong shirts in warm-ups. There will also be a moment of silence prior to the contest in remembrance of the victims of the Aug. 3 tragedy.

The #ElPasoStrong initiative will continue on Sunday. There will also be the “Youth Day” promotion for Sunday’s contest, with a post-game autograph session on the docket.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for kids and may be purchased by calling (915) 747-5234.

Start It up

The Miners are 17-5-1 in season openers since the program’s inception in 1996. Last year UTEP trounced Lubbock Christian, 6-1, on Aug. 17 to start the campaign off on a high note.

Series History Vs. Wyoming

UTEP is 4-1 all time against Wyoming, including a mark of 3-0 at home. The former WAC rivals are locking up for the third time in the past four years. Most recently Wyoming successfully defended its home pitch, 3-1, on Sept. 1, 2017. The Miners and the Cowgirls squared off annually from 1996-98 in the WAC before the nearly 20-year hiatus in the series.

Series History Vs. Abilene Christian

UTEP is facing Abilene Christian for the seventh consecutive campaign, with the ledger squared at 2-2-2. All prior six meetings have been decided by one goal or less, including the Wildcats staking a 1-0 victory last year (8/19/18) in Abilene, Texas.

Quick Overview On Wyoming

Wyoming brought back three starters and 14 letter winners in total from a team that finished 12-4-4 (7-2-2 Mountain West) and earned a share of the MW regular-season crown. The Cowgirls were predicted to finish fifth in the league’s preseason poll. Wyoming tuned up for the regular season by toppling FC Boulder, 4-2, at home on Aug. 17. Four different players found the back of the net for the Cowgirls.

Quick Overview On Abilene Christian

Defending Southland Conference tournament champion Abilene Christian returned 23 letter winners from the squad that competed in the NCAA Tournament and finished with a record of 15-6-1. The Wildcats were picked first in the SLC preseason poll and placed a league-best eight players on the preseason all-league teams, including five on the top squad. ACU routed Texas Southern, 9-0, in an exhibition game on Aug. 18.

The Basic Facts

UTEP is in its 24th season as a program, boasting an all-time record of 254-175-34. The Miners are under the direction of first-year head coach Kathryn Balogun. She is assisted by Stewart Givens and Kate Ward and volunteer assistant coach Michael Balogun.

Freshmen Power

UTEP has 11 true freshmen on the roster in 2019, its highest total since carrying 14 in 2000. The newcomers comprise nearly half of the squad (11 of 24).

Youth Served In Goal

For the first time since 2008, UTEP will exclusively rely on a freshman goalkeeper. Newcomers Zoey Lopez (Montwood HS) and Emily Parrott (Lone Star HS) both arrived in the Sun City this fall, with the task of replacing four-year starter Alyssa Palacios. It worked out well enough in 2008, with the Miners forging a 13-7-1 record (6-4-1 C-USA) behind the combined efforts of Sara Kaltwasser and Chandra Morden. The duo combined for a .806 save percentage and a goals against average of 1.12.

Stat Leaders Back

UTEP brought back three of its top-four point producers from the 2018 season, including senior Lauren Crenshaw. In 2018 she paced the team in both goals (seven) and points (15), aided by becoming the first Miner to finish perfect (min. three attempts) on penalty kicks (3-3) in a single year.

Also returning are junior Adrianna Jimmerson (four goals-eight points) and 2018 C-USA All-Freshman honoree Jojo Ngongo (three goals, two assists-eight points). Overall the Miners have six starters and 13 letter winners in the fold from last year’s squad (7-8-4, 2-5-3 C-USA).

Getting It Done In League Play

First-year head coach Kathryn Balogun has a history of success in conference action. During her five seasons (2014-18) at the helm of Texas Southern, she compiled a record of 31-13-7 in Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC) contests. Her squad produced winning marks in SWAC action and advanced to the league tournament in all five seasons.

UTEP Soccer on Social Media

For complete coverage of UTEP soccer, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @UTEPSoccer (Twitter), @UTEPMinersSoccer (Instagram) and on Facebook or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com.

The UTEP soccer team held its first practice to prepare for the 2019 season under the lights of University Field Wednesday evening. First-year head coach Kathryn Balogun led her squad through a two-hour workout with a big-picture perspective in mind.

“We were excited to get started tonight,” Balogun said. “As a coaching staff we believe defense and team chemistry wins championships. With that being said, we will spend a great amount of time this preseason working on our defensive organization and team unity both on and off the field. As a new staff we have 24 players who don’t know our day-to-day in-season expectations, which will take considerable repetition and attention to detail by us.”

The opening practice contained a lot of emphasis on defensive shape and communication, two things that will be of upmost importance for a squad which will start a freshman in net. In the mix for that starting goalkeeper nod will be newcomers Zoey Lopez (Montwood HS) and Emily Parrott (Lone Star HS).

The duo is part of a big influx of talent, with 11 freshmen set to suit up this fall. That works out to nearly half of the roster (11 of 24) being comprised of freshmen, something Balogun isn’t shying away from.

“Our freshmen will be a big part of our success on and off the field,” Balogun said. “Not only do they make up a large part of our roster, many of them passed their fitness test on the first day. In addition, freshmen are typically eager to learn which makes teaching them our system a bit easier.”

Overall UTEP returns 13 players from last year’s squad, including six who started at least eight matches in 2018. Seniors Danielle Carreon, Lauren Crenshaw and Kori Lewis will be counted on for their leadership, something Crenshaw understands is especially vital this season.

“Having leadership this year is really important because we have such a young squad,” Crenshaw said. “Going into my senior year, I want to leave on a good note and make a good impression on the younger players so they can hopefully become leaders one day.”

The Miners will continue training over the next two weeks before kicking off the 2019 season at home against Wyoming on Aug. 22 (7 p.m.).

The match will be the first of two in the Sun City to start the year, with ACU (Aug. 25, 1 p.m.) rounding out the opening weekend of action.

For complete coverage of UTEP soccer, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @UTEPSoccer (Twitter), @UTEPMinersSoccer (Instagram) and on Facebook or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com.

UTEP soccer head coach Kathryn Balogun and her staff are excited to hold three different camps this summer.

Each of the camps are open to any and all entrants and enrollment is only limited based on age, grade level, gender or number restrictions specified by each camp.

Information for each of the camps is found below, with interested individuals also encouraged to visit the UTEP soccer camp website.

Mini Miners Soccer Camp (Evening) – June 16-19, 2019 (5:30-8:30 p.m.)

University Field   |   $153.70 (For Entire Camp)

The Miner Miners Soccer Camp (evening) will run from June 16-19 (5:30-8:30 p.m. daily) at University Field. The camp is an exciting and fun opportunity for active kids of all skill levels (ages 6-18) who want to learn and develop their technical soccer skills prior to cooling off in the sprinklers. Campers will receive top-notch instruction from UTEP head coach Kathryn Balogun, her staff and members of the UTEP soccer team while having fun playing the game they love. A military and UTEP employee discount of $20 is available, and the code may be received by contacting Katie Ward at kaward2@utep.edu.

Mini Miners Soccer Camp (Morning)  – June 19-22, 2019 (9 a.m.-12 p.m.)

University Field   |   $153.70 (For Entire Camp)

The Miner Miners Soccer Camp (morning) will be held from June 19-22 (9 a.m.-12 p.m. daily) at University Field. The camp provides an exciting and fun opportunity for active kids of all skill levels (ages 6-18) who want to learn and develop their technical soccer skills before cooling off in the sprinklers.

Campers will receive the best instruction from UTEP head coach Kathryn Balogun, her staff and members of the UTEP soccer team while having fun playing the game they love. A military and UTEP employee discount of $20 is available, and the code may be received by contacting Katie Ward at kaward2@utep.edu.

College ID Camp – July 27-28, 2019 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)

University Field  |  $90 per day or $170 for both days

The UTEP soccer College ID Camp will be held from July 27-28 at University Field. It is open to all girls entering ninth grade and above. The camp will provide the perfect opportunity for individuals to display soccer skills while receiving quality collegiate training from UTEP head coach Kathryn Balogun and her staff.

Campers who attend both days will be able to receive technical and tactical instruction, take a tour of the campus and partake in a college Q&A. They can also showcase their abilities through small-sided and 11 vs. 11 games. Both days will have similar schedules but encompass different activities.

A match-up with NM State in addition to playing 10 home games highlight the 2019 UTEP soccer schedule, as announced by first-year head coach Kathryn Balogun.

The Miners will battle against I-10 rivals NM State for the sixth consecutive year, boasting a 7-1 record against the Aggies.

“We are excited about our first season as a coaching staff with the team,” Balogun said. “The nonconference schedule will prepare us well for conference play. We are excited to open up the year at home with Wyoming and ACU. We will open and close league play at home, and definitely love the support of the Sun City.”

The Orange and Blue will host the Wyoming for their home opener (Aug. 22), followed by a home matchup with Abilene Christian University (Aug. 25) to start the 2019 campaign.

The Miners then hit the road for two games, first meeting with Grand Canyon University (Aug. 29) and then facing UT-Rio Grande Valley (Sept. 1). Returning home for a mini home stand, UTEP takes on instate rivals Texas State (Sept. 6) and Southern Utah (Sept. 8).

Closing out the nonconference schedule, the Miners take a trip up Interstate 10 to take on rivals NM State (Sept. 12), before heading north to take on Utah Valley University (Sept. 14). The Miners return home to face University of the Southwest (Sept. 17) for the first time in program history.

The UTEP soccer program breaks a five-year streak of opening up C-USA action on the road, with a home league opener against FIU (Sept. 22). The other C-USA contests slated for University Field are WKU (Oct. 10), LA Tech (Oct. 17), Southern Miss (Oct. 20) and UTSA (Nov. 1). The contest against the Roadrunners closes out the regular season.

Conference road games will include Marshall (Sept. 26), UAB (Oct. 3), Middle Tennessee (Oct. 6), Charlotte (Oct. 24) and Old Dominion (Oct. 27).

Nine prep standouts have signed national letters of intent and will compete for the UTEP Soccer team starting in fall of 2019, UTEP head coach Kathryn Balogun revealed on Wednesday.

“We are excited for what lies ahead for UTEP soccer,” Balogun said. “This is an exciting time for each signing player, family and friends. As each players bio shows these young women have worked so hard to earn the opportunity to play for UTEP and the new coaching staff is eager to help them achieve their full potential both in the classroom and on the field while here at UTEP.”

Emerson Kidd, Lilly Marquez, Bella Benavides, Jackie Miller, Vanessa Cabello, Rocky Houston, Adriana Lopez and Emily Parrott join Moe Sais, who enrolled for the spring 2019 semester, to comprise the 10-member signing class.

Below are brief write-ups on the newest Miners.

Emerson Kidd

Played for Manitoba Blizzard, Canada REX and FC Northwest in Winnipeg, Canada … garnered playing time for the Manitoba Provincial Team during the Canadian National Championships and earned CSA All Star honors … captained the FC Northwest team that claimed runner-up at the U-14 Canadian Club Nationals in 2015 … 2016 Vancouver Whitecaps Academy Player of the Month … won the Provincial Championship as captain of FC Northwest (2015, 16, 18) … sister Taylor Kidd graduated from UTEP in 2016 after playing all four years under Kevin Cross … daughter of Trevor and Tiffany Kidd … father played 12 years in the National Hockey League with Calgary, Carolina, Florida and Toronto and won a silver medal with Canada at the 1992 Olympic Winter Games … sister Kennedy played soccer at the University of North Dakota (2015-18).

Bella Benavides

El Paso native, who currently plays for El Paso High School … has appeared in 51 games, notched 35 goals, registered 22 assists and tallied 92 points for the Tigers … has played with Galacticas FC since 2010 … named All-District first team (2016, 2017) … earned All-City first-team honors (2016, 2017) … reached the All-Region (TASCO) first team in 2017 … a two sport athlete, competing in cross country … she earned runner up at the District Cross Country Championships … named to the All-City second team in 2017 … daughter of Paul and Rita Benavides … has one brother and two sisters, Paulo, Elyse and Charlotte … father, Paul, was a four-year letterwinner in the pole vault at UTEP and went on to compete professionally where he held the Mexican national record for 12 years … brother, Paulo, competes in the pole vault at Kansas University, where he claimed the 2017 Indoor Big 12 Championship.

Jackie Miller

El Paso native, currently plays for Franklin High School … has appeared in 31 games, notched eight goals, one assist and tallied 17 points for the Cougars … plays for the Rush Select club team … claimed the New Mexico State Cup Championship with Rush Select in 2016 … member of the National Spanish Honor Society, student council and DECA … daughter of Joe Miller and Soledad Montes-Miller … has one brother, Joshua Miller … father, Joe, earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from UTEP in 1986.

Moe Sais

Competed with Lewisville High School (Lewisville, Texas) … earned All City Freshman of the Year honorable mention … named to the All-District first team during her junior and sophomore year … rated as the Texas Conference 2016 Top 25 leading scorer … DFW Area Top 25 with 18 assists … daughter of Rickey and Tiffany Sais … has one sister, Millena Sais.

Vanessa Cabello

Currently plays for Pasadena High School (Pasadena, Texas) … three year letterwinner for the varsity team, appearing in 33 games, scoring 24 goals, registering seven assists and tallying 55 points for the Eagles … played for the Rise Soccer Club … played at the Las Vegas Showcase, Capital Area Soccer Showcase and the Disney Showcase … daughter of Jose and Paulina Cabello … has three brothers, Alexandro, Oscar and Omar Cabello.

Lilly Marquez

A four-year varsity starter for White High School (Dallas, Texas) … appeared in 54 games, scoring 53 goals, posting 27 assists and tallying a staggering 133 points over her prep career … played for the Dallas Kicks club team … named All-District first team (2016, 2017) … club team MVP (2017) … Maxpreps/NSCAA Player of the Week and five-time Maxpreps Player of the Game (2016, 2017) … district 9-6A Co-Offensive MVP (2015-16) … Southern Region Futsal Team (2014) … daughter of Jeff Marquez and Adrienne Lariz … has two sisters, Crysta and Maegan Marquez.

Emily Parrott

Plays for the U-18/19 Solar Soccer Club (U.S. Soccer Development Academy) in Frisco, Texas … appeared in 43 games at goalkeeper, making 39 starts … helped the U16/17 team advance to the USSDA National Quarterfinals during the 2017-18 season … part of the ECNL National Championship team during the 2016-17 season, where she held 165 scoreless playoff minutes … played at Lone Star High School (Frisco, Texas), where she was named second team All-District during the 2015-16 season as a freshman and earned Newcomer of the Year … member of the first team to make it to the state playoffs and set a school record for single-season saves and shutouts … National Honors Society member (2016-19) and garnered Academic All-District awards (2015-17) … daughter of Cary and Kelli Parrott … has one sister, Taylor Parrott.

Adriana Lopez

El Paso native, Lopez currently plays for El Paso High … appeared in 79 games, scoring 75 goals, adding 45 assists and racking in a total of 195 points … a four-year starter for the varsity team … earned the Maxpreps/NSCAA Player of the Week during the 2017-18 season … three-time Maxpresps/NSCAA Player of the Game during the 2016-17 season … three-time All-District honoree  … daughter of Esperanza Lopez … has one brother and two sisters, Diego, Susana and Diana Lopez.

Raquel Houston

Currently plays for Midland High School (Midland, Texas) … appeared in 11 games during the 2017-18 season, scoring five goals, adding two assists and contributing 12 points … played for the D’feeters ECNL club team … member of the Spanish National Honors Society … daughter of Matthew and Laura Houston … has two sisters and one brother, Andrea Gomez, Chloe and Matteo Houston.

Kathryn Balogun, who enjoyed record-setting seasons as the women’s soccer head coach at Texas Southern University over the last five years, has been named women’s soccer head coach at UTEP, Director of Athletics Jim Senter announced on Monday.

“We are excited to welcome Kathryn Balogun to the UTEP Miner Family,” Senter said. “Coach Balogun has a proven track record of doing more with less as a head women’s soccer coach. Her SWAC record while serving as the head coach at Texas Southern University was competitive. Under her leadership, the Texas Southern program increased team grade point averages and graduation rates. She has strong recruiting ties in the state of Texas and is committed to recruiting the best student athletes in our state and region. Kathryn has demonstrated experiences as a player, assistant coach and head coach. We are confident she can build a program that competes for and wins Conference USA Championships.”

“I would like to thank the Miner search committee for this opportunity, especially Director of Athletics Jim Senter and Assistant Athletic Director David Kooger,” Balogun said. “It is obvious that the Miner community shares many of the same values I do and I look forward to bringing excellence on the field, in the classroom and in the community to the Sun City. I am extremely grateful for my time at Texas Southern and in the SWAC. I believe it has prepared me well for success at UTEP. Go Miners!”

“I am very pleased with the hire of Kathryn Balogun as our new Women’s Soccer Head Coach,” said Kooger, UTEP Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Women’s Soccer Sport Administrator. “Throughout the search process Kathryn stood out as someone who can elevate this program to the next level. Her passion for soccer and development of the overall student-athlete will be a great fit for UTEP Athletics. I’m excited to work with Kathryn and her new staff.”

Under Balogun’s leadership, the Tigers pitched eight shutouts during the 2014 season, scored 33 goals during the 2015 campaign and combined to post a sparkling 31-13-6 record in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, while advancing to the league tournament every year. In each of the last two years, TSU lost to the eventual tournament champion on penalty kicks in the SWAC semifinals. Texas Southern finished 8-1-1 in league play in 2016.

The Tigers achieved the highest RPI in school history and posted school records for shutouts, goals scored and assists during the Balogun era.

Her first team All-SWAC players at TSU were midfielder Marlyn Campa (2015), defender Briana Norwood (2017 & 2018) and midfielder Kayla Smith (2017). In 2017, goalkeeper Tammy Syron was named the SWAC Freshman of the Year.

Off the field, Balogun worked to elevate the Tigers’ team grade point average more than a full point to 3.3 while graduating 100 percent of her student athletes. She also fundraised over $20,000 annually for the program.

Balogun previously served as an assistant coach at Alabama State (2011-13), a graduate assistant coach at Auburn University-Montgomery (2010-11), and an associate coach at Darlington Soccer Academy in Rome, Ga. (2008-10). Her stint at Auburn-Montgomery helped produce a top-25 team national ranking. While at Alabama State, she was appointed the NSCAA Assistant Coach of the Year for the Central Region (2013). The Lady Hornets won their first Eastern Division championship with an undefeated regular season league mark, and advanced to the first conference championship match in school history.

She also worked as an Assistant Athletic Trainer and Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach at Alabama State. Balogun was one of the founding assistant directors of the Proprioception Endurance Balance Agility (PEBA) strength and conditioning program during her time with Darlington Soccer Academy. She also has experience coaching with the Alabama Olympic Development Program.

She played at Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C., where she was a four-year starter from 2004-08. A three-time captain with the Camels, Balogun earned multiple second team All-Atlantic Sun Conference honors. She was a member of conference regular season and tournament title teams and played in the NCAA Championships in 2005. She also played for the Hampton Roads Piranhas, a United States W-League team located in Virginia Beach, Va.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from Campbell in 2008, and added a Masters of Education in Sports Management from Auburn University Montgomery in 2012. She was a Dean’s List student throughout her academic career and was named to the Atlantic Sun Conference All-Academic Team.

Balogun is a member of the United States Soccer Federation, the National Soccer Coaches Athletic Association and the United Soccer Coaches.