UTEP Soccer Beats the Bengals, 2-1

EL PASO, Texas – The UTEP soccer team won its second consecutive game at home against the Idaho State Bengals, 2-1, on Friday night at University Field. Sophomores Vic Bohdan and Cayla Payne put the Miners (2-1-0) in the lead with a goal each. The Bengals (0-1-0) received a tally from Lauren Ballinger (62’) but UTEP held on.

“Really proud of our team for getting the win tonight against a real physical team,” UTEP head coach Kevin Cross said. “We started the game really strong, we got the goals we needed enough to win the game.”

Alyssa Palacios was credited with four stops to secure the victory.

Bohdan set the pace early on for the Miners by scoring a goal which clocked in at 2:41, making her the 13th-fastest goal scorer in program history. Bohdan received the ball in the middle of the box where she back heeled it toward the goal. It bounced off the goalkeeper and she turned around to put it in the back of the net. The sophomore has two goals in three games which leads the team.

The Miners controlled the first half only giving away three shots, none of which were on goal and forcing six corner kicks in their favor.

Palacios was called to action for the first time in the second half after a soft shot was taken by the Bengals.

Payne (51’) scored the second goal for the Miners. In a counter attack play, Bohdan crossed the ball to the left side of the field past the defender where Payne controlled it and took a hard shot. The shot was blocked by the Bengal goalkeeper but Payne managed to get a last touch on the ball to add to the score.

The Bengals had the Miners on their heels during the second half by taking six shots, with five of those on goal. The goal by Ballinger (62’) came immediately after a shot saved by Palacios.

It was physical second half with 13 total fouls by both teams and one yellow card issued to UTEP’s Anna Jimmerson. The Miners were able to keep the lead against the constant attack by the Bengals.

The Miners will be back in action on Sunday against UTRGV kickoff at 1 p.m. MT at University Field. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for kids.