In an upcoming Conference USA soccer clash, the UTEP Miners are set to take the field against LA Tech this coming Friday. According to the UTEP Miners, the Miners sport a 3-5-1 record and are looking to aggressively kick off their league matches against the Bulldogs, who have had a challenging start with a 1-8-1 record this season.
This singular game will unfold at 6 p.m. MT/7 p.m. CT, and fans can tune in via ESPN+ to catch the live event. LA Tech's record may appear underwhelming at first glance, but the team has been navigating through a demanding schedule that includes three matchups against power-conference teams. Standout goalkeeper Cadence Rutledge has been a prominent figure for LA Tech, ranking in the top 15 nationally for her impressive saves per game.
The Miners, on the other hand, are hoping to create history by securing their first-ever victory against LA Tech in Ruston, with a series record trailing at 3-4-3. As per UTEP's report, Coach Gibbs Keeton's tenure has seen a majority of UTEP's games conclude with nail-bitingly close scores.
Looking to add to her already impressive tally, sophomore Ana Quintero is aiming to score yet again after leading her team with three goals this season. She's become a critical asset, and UTEP recognized her influence, stating, "The Miners are now 4-2-1 in matches when Quintero puts away an opportunity," as per UTEP Miners. On the young talent front, UTEP has heavily relied on freshmen and sophomores for over half of its total playing minutes, highlighting a youth-driven lineup.
Goalkeeper Savanah Finley has also made a remarkable impact as a freshman, notching four shutouts to date, which is just one shy of entering UTEP's single-season top-10 list in that category. Meanwhile, the Miners have shown a tendency to share scoring opportunities, with eight goals spread over nine assists by various players.
