EL PASO, TX---The USW Women's Soccer program traveled to El Paso, TX earlier in the week for their final match before RRAC play begins on September 26th. The Mustangs took on NCAA Division 1 opponent UTEP and lost 2-0. 

"We started out very strong in terms of possession and shots on goal. The field was big but we took full advantage in spreading out their defense and midfield which led to shots on goal in the opening minutes. It was a bit challenging on our defensive side since we allowed so much space for them to play but once the game got settled throughout the first half, we were able to sit in comfortably and play our game." said Head Coach D'Angelo Garcia on the 1st half of the match. 

The Lady Mustangs were able to get 8 shots off in the 1st half of the match, but were unable to capitalize on those opportunities. USW went into the locker room at half tied 0-0 with the Miners. But the Miners came out aggressive early on in the 2nd half scoring 2 goals in the first 12 minutes of the 2nd half. 

"UTEP came out very strong and pressured us in the first 12 minutes of play forcing us to play faster. I was very proud of our back line for forcing numerous offsides on UTEP. They were loading our back line with attackers just looking for the long ball. It was frustrating that the game was played like that in the 2nd half. The two goals they scored came from our own mistakes and bad positioning." says Coach Garcia of UTEP's aggressive strategy in the early minutes of the 2nd half. 

The Mustangs were unable to keep up their pressure in the 2nd half as they lost the shot battle 16-3 in favor of the Miners. Overall UTEP outshot USW 25-11 with 15 of their shots being on goal. 

"Considering this was our 3rd NCAA Division 1 opponent of the year, we knew what to expect. These teams are very physical, fast and play well in the air so we knew we had to play on the ground as much as possible as well as keep possession as much as we can." said Garcia of the ladies facing another tough opponent prior to conference play. 

The Mustangs open up conference play this week as they host Texas College on Thursday afternoon with kickoff scheduled for 1:00.