The UTEP soccer team heads to Idaho this week for a two-match stint, first facing off against the University of Idaho on Thursday and then taking on Boise State University on Sunday. According to UTEP, the Idaho game will be available on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. MT, while the Boise State match will stream on the Mountain West Network at 1 p.m. MT. Live stats for both games will be provided.
The Vandals come into the contest with a 2-2-2 record, boasting a strong defensive track record with three shutouts. Idaho's goalkeeper Paula Flores has an impressive 540 minutes of playtime under her belt, along with a 1.0 goals against average. "Idaho is a quality program," UTEP stated, noting Flores' standout performance with three shutouts. UTEP has historically split results with Idaho, 1-1, but faces the Vandals on the road for the first time.
Boise State poses a different challenge for UTEP as the defending Mountain West regular-season champions hold a 2-1-2 season so far. The Broncos are known for a physical style of play, with a league-leading 10 yellow cards. Madie Donovan from Boise State has notably received four cautions. This matchup will see UTEP try to leverage its historical 4-1 record advantage when playing Boise State.
The Miners' junior Ashlyn Neireiter recently gained recognition as the CUSA Defensive Player of the Week, a first for her and the team's first weekly award since 2023. Neireiter has been instrumental in UTEP's defense, which has allowed only one goal in two matches. "She played all 180 minutes of action, helping UTEP possess and dictate the pace of play," according to UTEP. Offensively, Sophomore Ana Quintero stands as UTEP's biggest threat, leading the team in goals and shots per game at 4.5, ranking her first in CUSA and seventh nationwide.
