One-on-one with UTEP’s Gibbs Keeton; Miners host free exhibition game Saturday as season opener nears

EL PASO, Texas - The UTEP soccer team will tune up for the 2026 season when it plays host to NJCAA member Cochise College in an exhibition match at 6 p.m. at picturesque University Field on Saturday.

Admission is free for the first home fall friendly for the Miners since they squared off against Colorado College in 2022. 

The contest will afford fans their first look at this year’s edition of the squad, who are under the direction of fourth-year head coach Gibbs Keeton. UTEP has a good mix of both returnees and newcomers for this year’s squad, which will be embarking on its first season as members of the Mountain West.

The Miners return seven starters and 14 letter winners overall.

There are also three players back from 2025 who sat out last season. UTEP added 12 newcomers, headlined by six DI transfers. 

Following Saturday’s exhibition, the Orange and Blue will be full steam ahead for the 2026 campaign.

That will kick off in earnest with a pair of home games as the Miners play host to Lamar (7 p.m. MT, Aug. 12) and DII program Sul Ross State (5 p.m. MT, Aug. 16). It will be the “Camper Reunion Game” against the Cardinals.

Season tickets for the year remain on sale for only $35. Fans can call 915-747-UTEP or visit UTEPMiners.com/Tickets for more information. 

The Miners will have eight regular-season home contests on the docket, including five within MW action.