Sept. 4, 2008

Miners Open Sun City Invite Against South Dakota

The UTEP soccer team will kick off the 2008 edition of the Sun City Invite by battling South Dakota at 7 p.m. on Friday. The Miners enter the match at 3-0 on the campaign, while the Coyotes stand at 1-2 on the year.

 

Looking Back At The Miners’ Classic

The Miners enter the Sun City Invite flying high, having picked up a pair of victories last weekend to secure the crown at the 11th-Annual Miners’ Classic. UTEP knocked off Texas State and Louisiana Lafayette by identical 1-0 scores. Freshman goalkeeper Chandra Morden earned both of the triumphs, making a combined six saves. Junior Tameka Sumter provided the offense with the gamewinning strikes in each match.

 

Boast Seven Miner Classic Titles Now

By virtue of the efforts against Texas State and Louisiana Lafayette, UTEP has now won the Miners’ Classic seven times. The Orange and Blue’s showing continued their domination of the event, improving their all-time record at the tournament to 19-4-0. Moreover, they have out-scored the opposition 73-14.

 

 

Morden Claims C-USA Honor

UTEP freshman goalkeeper Chandra Morden was tabbed as the Conference USA defensive player of the week after turning in sterling performances in a pair of 1-0 UTEP wins over the weekend, the league office announced this past Tuesday. She registered consecutive shutouts to help lead the Orange and Blue to the crown at the 11th-Annual Miners Classic. The native of Winnipeg registered six saves, including four stops against Texas State on Aug 29. Against the Bobcats, two of the stops were of the point-blank variety while another was made while using perfect technique to punch a shot over the net.  For an encore, Morden registered two saves while flying off her line twice to secure potentially dangerous through balls in the tilt against Louisiana Lafayette.

 

League Honors Nothing New For UTEP

While the defensive player of the week honor might be a first for freshman Chandra Morden, it is certainly nothing new for the Orange and Blue. Since joining Conference USA in 2005, the Miners have claimed a league-tying best 14 C-USA player of the week awards. To further appreciate that feat, consider that the Miners had a combined 14 POW winners from 1996-2004.

 

Distinct Keeper Flavor With Morden’s Honor

Chandra Morden’s recognition marks the sixth time in the past seven years that an Orange and Blue goalkeeper has been so honored. Kyla Clark, Carol Moore, Brittany Popoff and Jessica Salvi reaped a combined eight awards during that timeframe. What makes Morden’s achievement stand out is that of those eight honors, seven were snared by upperclassmen.

 

Who Needs The Media Guide Anyways

While freshman midfielder Katie Dorman may not be in the 2008 UTEP soccer media guide, she will certainly be a household name with Miner fans by year’s end at the rate she is going. The homeschooled native of El Paso joined the team following training camp, and has quickly made an impression with the Miners’ coaching staff. Dorman has been the first sub off the bench for head coach Kevin Cross in each of the Orange and Blue’s triumphs.

 

Sumter Is Something Else

Tameka Sumter’s gamewinning goals against Texas State and Louisiana Lafayette were the 25th and 26th of the junior’s brilliant career. She is already fourth place all time at UTEP. Her next strike will move the San Antonio, Texas, native into a tie for third place with former Orange and Blue standouts Miranda Cuthbertson and Kelly Parker.

 

Who Knows What The Future Holds, But Fun To Look Ahead

No one can predict what Tameka Sumter will be able to accomplish her final two years in the Sun City, but entering 2008 she is on pace to break the school standard in points while tying the program mark for goals scored. Both of those records are held by Jami Tullius, who helped mentor Sumter the previous two years as she adjusted to the collegiate level. While it will certainly be challenging for Sumter to maintain her torrid pace, it would be ironic if she were to ultimately surpass Tullius given the role the El Paso native played in her development. Stay tuned….

 

Plenty Of Success In The Sun City Since 2002

Maybe it is the higher altitude, maybe it is the passionate and rambunctious fans, or maybe it is the fact that the UTEP soccer team has been quite talented since 2002. Whatever the reason is, the Miners have been simply incredible in defending their home pitch the past seven seasons. UTEP has compiled a dazzling record of 53-6-2 in El Paso during that period. But wait, there’s more. In those 61 contests, UTEP has out-scored the opposition to the tune of 196-46. For the math fans, the average score of a UTEP home game since 2002 is UTEP 3.2, its Opponent, 0.8.

 

Three For Three

By virtue of the victory against Louisiana Lafayette, UTEP improved to 3-0 on the young season. The Miners last kicked off a campaign at 3-0 in 2005, the year they advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament. It is the third time overall during the Kevin Cross era that the Miners have won at least their first three games.

 

Keeping It In Perspective

While UTEP is off to a strong start to the 2008 season, it has a long way to go if it wants to make school history. The 2002 squad roared out to a 12-0 start while the 2005 edition of the Orange and Blue rolled to a 14-0-1 christening of its campaign.

 

Doing So With Shutouts At That

Not only are the Miners 2-0 on the year, but both of the victories have been via the shutout. It marks the first time in the 13-year history of the program that UTEP has blanked its three two opponents on the season. The 1997 squad previously held the standard with two shutouts to open the year.

 

More Shutout History

In knocking off Louisiana Lafayette on Sunday, the Miners picked up their third straight 1-0 victory. Prior to 2008, UTEP had never posted consecutive 1-0 blankings. While the coaching staff is thrilled with the defense, it’s a safe bet that they won’t be disappointed if the offense awakens against South Dakota on Friday.

 

Shots At A Premium For The Opposition

UTEP’s defense has been nothing shy of incredible through the first three games of the 2008 campaign. Not only have the Miners kept the opposition off the scoreboard, but they have managed to hold the opposition to fewer than 20 shots. Entering the tilt against South Dakota, the Miners’ opponents have combined for 19 shots. Moreover, only seven of those have been on target. The effort is by far the best in the program’s history through three games. The prior standard was 23/13 by the 1997 team. The breakdown for each year is as follows: 2007, 40/19. 2006, 27/16. 2005, 50/14. 2004, 24/16. 2003, 26/17. 2002, 32/25. 2001, 37/21. 2000, 42/17. 1999, 33/22. 1998, 48/23. 1997, 23/13. 1996, 51/42.

 

Doing So With Clean Play As Well

It is no secret that the Miners’ defense in 2008 has been suffocating, evidenced by the numbers provided in the prior notes. Making the exploits of UTEP’s stop troops even more impressive is the fact that they have accomplished all of this in 2008 while demonstrating tremendous sportsmanship. The Orange and Blue have committed only 22 fouls on the year (a little more than seven per match). The significance of that number is that it shows that the Miners have been able to shut down the opposition without resorting to physical, bullying tactics.

 

More Fun With Defense And The Numbers.

As noted earlier, UTEP’s defense is the best it has ever been to start a season. But the exploits of the 2008 squad can hold their own against previous Miner teams during any point of the year, not just at the onset. Consider that the last time UTEP allowed fewer than 19 shots in a span of three consecutive games was during the 2003 season. Needless to say, UTEP’s defensive efforts have been dominating thus far in 2008.

 

Get To South Dakota

The 2008 campaign marks the first year of a transition period for the Coyotes, as they are well on their way to becoming a full fledged member of Division I for soccer. USD is under the direction of Marcia Oliveira, who has experience in building programs from the ground up. Oliveira directed that process for Sam Houston State, which culminated with a school-record win total in 2007.

 

No Series History Officially, But….

While UTEP and South Dakota have never met before, it is a safe to say that the Coyotes will have a good idea as to what the Miners will bring to the table. USD head coach Marcia Oliveira served in that same role from 2002-07 at Sam Houston State. The Miners and Bearkats did battle in all but Oliveira’s initial campaign at SHSU.UTEP did get the better of Oliveira’s squads during those match-ups, but that fact has little baring on Friday’s match-up.

 

Miners Love The Big Crowds

For some teams, playing in front of a big crowd at home can be intimidating. That is certainly not the case for UTEP during Kevin Cross’ tenure, and the squad proved so again vs. Baylor on Aug. 22. For the Miners, it is a simple equation. The larger the crowd, the better they play. The breakdown for UTEP’s record in correlation for the crowd size is as follows:

·         1,000+ fans- 5-0

·         900+ fans- 5-0

·         800+ fans- 6-0

·         700+ fans- 6-0

·         600+fans- 14-0

·         500+fans- 17-1-2

·         400+fans- 25-3-2.

 

Recycled Notes

UTEP Drops Texas State, 1-0, To Kick Off Miners’ Classic

Stifling defense, smart play and Tameka Sumter’s goal in the 21st minute propelled UTEP past Texas State, 1-0, in its opening match of the 11th-annual Miners’ Classic at University Field on Aug. 29. Close to 400 fans braved unseasonably chilly conditions, and they were treated to a fine showing in all facets of the game by the Orange and Blue. The Miners out-shot TSU 12-6 and held a 5-3 edge on corner kicks.

 

Another Goalie, Another Win

A week after freshman GK Sara Kaltwasser helped lead UTEP to a 1-0 victory against Baylor, fellow classmate Chandra Morden was called upon against Texas State. The end result was the same, with the Miners posting a 1-0 victory. Morden was sharp in the match, making four stops on the way to securing her initial collegiate win.

 

Miners Down Big 12 Foe Baylor To Kick Off 2008 In Fine Fashion

The UTEP soccer team kicked off its 2008 campaign in fine fashion with a 1-0 triumph against Baylor on at University Field on Aug. 22. Senior Brandi Aston put the Miners ahead with a goal at the 18th minute, and UTEP’s suffocating defense did the rest. The Miners limited the Bears to only two shots, both of which came in the latter stages of the game as they frantically sent players ahead.

 

Season Openers And Shutouts Quite The Rage

UTEP has experienced tremendous success in campaign lid lifters (10-3 all time and 7-1 under Kevin Cross). The Miners aren’t content simply by winning those tilts. Rather, they take aim at shutouts. By blanking Baylor, 1-0, it marked the second season-opening shutout in the past three years. Moreover, it is the third shutout in a campaign lidlifter under Cross.

 

Been A Long Time Coming For Aston

Brandi Aston, who due to unforeseen circumstances at the onset of the 2007 season forced her to sit out as a medical redshirt, was back and better than ever against Baylor on Aug. 22. The senior buried a shot in the 18th minute, and UTEP’s defense made it stand up as the game-winning goal. It marked her first strike since Oct. 29, 2006, in a 4-0 triumph at Marshall.

 

In Case You Need A History Lesson

Individuals who have followed the UTEP soccer program in recent years know what Brandi Aston did against Baylor is exactly the type of play she is capable of when healthy. But if you are a new Miner fan, or simply are in need of a quick refresher about the Deer Park, Texas, native, this is the place to be. In 2006, Aston’s last full year as a Miner, she was second on the team in goals (eight) and fourth in points (24).

 

Pettit Shines In Debut

Freshman midfielder Jessie Pettit played a phenomenal match in her debut for the Miners. In 84 minutes of action, Pettit showed poise not often found in rookies and came up with a game-deciding play in the 18^th minute. She stepped in front of a pass by a Baylor defender and then deftly touched the ball to Brandi Aston. UTEP’s senior forward rifled a blast that beat the Bears’ keeper for the eventual game-winning-tally.

 

Not To Put Pressure On Pettit, But…

Jessie Pettit registered the game-winning assist in the Miners’ 1-0 toppling of Baylor. The last Miner newcomer to be credited with the match-winning helper in a season-opening triumph was Anoop Josan in 2006. The Edmonton, Alberta, native set-up former Orange and Blue standout Melissa Abraham’s strike in a 1-0 victory at Air Force on Aug. 25, 2006. Josan would go on to post 14 assists that year, which doubled the freshman school standard and ranked second all time in program annals. Here’s hoping Pettit can experience that same type of rookie season.

 

Fans As Far As The Eye Can See

UTEP soccer, which has led Conference USA in attendance the past two seasons, traditionally receives tremendous support from the institution, city and surrounding area. Things were taken to a whole new level on Aug. 22 against Baylor, when the Miners put on a show for a program-best 1,426 fans. Fans packed picturesque University Field like they had never done before. The result was a rambunctious crowd which seemingly carried UTEP to the 1-0 win against the Bears.

 

Kaltwasser Steady In Net

While she may have not registered an official save, freshman netminder Sara Kaltwasser performed admirably in her collegiate debut against the Bears. She was vocal throughout, and made a key play to break up a dangerous situation midway through the second stanza. At the 67-minute mark, Baylor lifted a ball into the box. Kaltwasser read the play perfectly, and punched the ball out of harms way while surrounded by a myriad of players.

 

Seven Miners Debut Overall

Seven players made their debuts for the Orange and Blue against Baylor, including three who earned starting nods. Brittany Gonzalez (defense), Sara Kaltwasser (goalkeeper) and Jessie Pettit (midfield) were part of the top 11. Katie Dorman, Felicia Jones, Brittany Thornton and Brittany Vacca all appeared in the match in reserve roles. Dorman, a former walk-on who was added to the roster after training camp, was the first sub off the bench. She played 31 minutes, registering a shot.

 

Taylor Saves The Day

The excitement stemming from the home opener was almost all for not, as Baylor had a great chance at the equalizer with less than 10 minutes to play in the match. Junior defender Neresa Taylor had other ideas, though, heading away a would-be strike while standing on the goal line perfectly positioned. The fundamentally sound defensive play was the lone save credited to the Miners during the match, as the only other shot Baylor managed in the contest was well wide of the target.

 

Defense Smothers Baylor

UTEP’s defense smothered Baylor by limiting it to only two shots, marking the lowest shot total by a Miner opponent since 2003. The Miners limited Sam Houston State to one try on Sept. 14, 2003, during a 5-0 UTEP triumph.

 

Winbush Is Steady As Can Be

Junior Chelsea Winbush played a large role in the victory against Baylor. The workhouse defender played all 90 minutes, and was all over the field. Winbush’s effort was even more impressive considering she had suffered a lower leg injury lower in the week. That setback did not affect her in the slightest, as she earned start No. 41 of her illustrious career.

 

Don’t Forget Us

Chelsea Winbush is not the only talented player on UTEP’s back line, as three players who were starters throughout 2007 are also back. Junior Neresa Taylor, a converted forward and still the Miners’ fastest player, provides the Orange and Blue with a defender who has the ability to stay step for step with the opposition. Sophomore Melissa Desilets played in every match in 2007 including starting the final 18, while freshman Brittany Gonzalez looked very sharp in her debut as a sweeper.

 

Miners Know How To Start Season Right

By virtue of the triumph against the Bears, UTEP improved to 7-1-0 in campaign lid lifters under head coach Kevin Cross. The lone setback came coincidentally in 2004 at the hands of Texas State, 3-2, in double overtime. Overall, UTEP is 10-3 in program history in season-opening contests.

 

More On Campaign Lid Lifters

Not only did the Miners improve to 10-3 in season-opening matches by defeating Baylor, but they have now out-scored the opposition 44-15 in the initial contest of the campaign.

 

Respect, Not Fear, For Miners When Taking On BCS Programs

One of the principles head coach Kevin Cross has instilled since assuming control of the program has been an attitude of respecting your opponent, but not being afraid of it. There is nothing better to prove that point than to look at UTEP’s effort against Baylor in the 1-0 season-opening win. The outcome improved the Miners to 8-1 against BCS schools since 2002.

 

Program-Best 13 Home Games On Tap

The Miners will play at University Field early and often in 2008, with the end result being a school-record 13 home matches on the docket. The contest against Texas State marks the second of five straight tilts at University Field for the Orange and Blue.

 

Not Sure If It Means Anything, But…

UTEP will host three in-season tournaments this year, which is something it has done on only one other season in the 12-year history of the program. The Miners put on three tournaments in 2005, which coincidentally was the year that they won a school-record 20 games and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament.

 

Looking To Lead C-USA In Attendance Again

The UTEP soccer team has paced Conference USA in average home attendance the past two years, and it has aspirations of doing so again in 2008. The Miners attracted 6,470 fans to their 11 home tilts in 2007, an average of 588 per match. Both the overall total and the average were the best in the program’s 12-year history.

 

Nordin Set For Senior Season… Finally

UTEP midfielder Cara Nordin may have taken longer than expected to reach her senior year, but she is certainly excited that the moment has arrived. There were times that it seemed like she would never make it to this position, but the Kamloops, B.C. native never lost hope. Even when she was sidelined for more than a year with a lower leg injury that she sustained during spring of 2006, her spirits remained high.

 

Rewarded For Her Persistence

Due to her attitude and mental toughness skills she’s displayed throughout her career with the Miners, Cara Nordin has been appointed the captain of the 2008 edition of the Miners. Traditionally soccer teams have more than one captain, but Nordin is the type of individual who is so well respected by her teammates that she is up to the task.

 

Hoping To Go Back In Time

Cara Nordin returned to the pitch in 2007 after being sidelined for more than a year with that nagging lower leg injury. She contributed one goal and a pair of assists while re-acclimating herself to the college game. Heading into 2008, Nordin looks like she has re-gained her form that made her such a magical player during her freshman and sophomore campaigns with the Orange and Blue.

 

Josan Could Showcase Talents On Grand Stage

Junior Anoop Josan will redshirt the 2008 season, in hopes of playing for Team Canada at the 2008 U-20 Women’s World Cup later this fall. Josan has trained for the team in years past, and has been invited to vie for a roster spot. While UTEP will certainly miss her presence in the middle of the pitch, the opportunity for Josan to compete for her native country at an event of such prestige is simply too much to pass up.

 

Get To Know UTEP Soccer

The city of El Paso is certainly fortunate to have such an impressive soccer program at UTEP. While it may not be common knowledge across the nation, head coach Kevin Cross has guided the Miners to incredible heights.

Consider the following facts about UTEP entering the 2008 campaign:

·         UTEP boasts a Conference USA best 51 wins since joining the league in 2005

·         The Miners’ lay claim to 91 victories since 2002 to rank tied for 14th nationally

·         The Orange and Blue are fifth in the country for goals scored since 2002

·         UTEP won a school-record 20 games in 2005 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament by defeating Texas. The Miners finished the year with a national ranking of 31st, tops in C-USA

 

Looking Back At The 2007 Season

The Miners went 13-7-2, including 8-1-2 at home, on the way to advancing to the semifinals of the 2007 Conference USA tournament. The Orange and Blue had a never say die attitude a year ago, evidenced by six come-from-behind victories. A 33-9 advantage in the second half played a large role in that aspect of the team. Individually, senior Jami Tullius was named the 2007 Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year. She had a banner campaign, leading the Miner’s prolific offense in assists, goals and points. Additionally, Tameka Sumter earned all-league honors by virtue of 27 points on 11 goals and five assists.

 

Plenty Of New Faces

While the Miners returned a talented group of 10 letterwinners from last year’s team that posted a 13-7-2 record, there certainly is not a shortage of newcomers on the 2008 roster. Eleven rookies were added since the end of last year. The breakdown was as follows; nine freshmen and two junior-college transfers. Each of the players will make an impact this year.

 

Senior Class Small In Numbers Only

While the 2008 senior class consists of only three individuals (Brandi Aston, Cortney Casey and Cara Nordin), don’t count them out.  The trio has played a large role in the Miners success since arriving in the Sun City, and has a good chance to go down as the winningest class in program history. Since the start of 2005, the Orange and Blue boast a record of 51-17-3.

 

Miners Cruise Past Alumni, 4-1

Behind freshman Jessie Pettit’s two goals, the UTEP soccer team defeated 4-1 Team Alumni in its annual preseason tune-up at the Sun Bowl on Aug. 16. Brandi Aston and Tameka Sumter also scored for the Miners. UTEP played well throughout, out-shooting the Alumni 24-14 and boasting a 6-3 edge in corner kicks. Freshman netminder Sara Kaltwasser registered five saves for UTEP.