UTEP soccer team cruises to 6-1 win in season opener Friday

The UTEP soccer team made the game look very easy in their season opener Friday night as the Miners cruised to a 6-1 win over Lubbock Christian University.

The Miners opened the scoring in the 14th minute courtesy of freshman forward Jojo Ngongo, who scored off a perfect cross from April Pate.

That would be the only goal of the first half, but UTEP wasted little time in the second half getting on the board again.

Anna Jimmerson gave the Miners a 2-0 lead just two minutes into the second stanza, igniting a second half explosion by the Miners.

UTEP ran off the next four goals to take a 6-0 lead later in the half. UTEP’S six goals goals were scored by six different players. Vic Bohdan (56′), April Pate (64′), Danielle Carreon (69′) and Jackie Soto (77′) were the other Miners who found the back of the net.

It appeared the Miners were on their way to preserving the 19th career clean sheet for goalkeeper Alyssa Palacios. However, Lubbock Christian was awarded a penalty kick late in the game on a hand ball in the box and scored its lone goal from the spot in the 88th minute.

UTEP has a quick turnaround to worry about now. The Miners go on the road to meet Abilene Christian University Sunday evening.