UTEP Miners

Sept. 29, 2007

Miners Wrap Up Non-Conference Slate At Sacramento State

The UTEP soccer team will take aim at capping off its non-conference portion in victorious fashion, as the Miners battle Sacramento State in hostile territory at 1 p.m. on Sunday. UTEP enters the match at 6-3-1 on the campaign while the Hornets are 5-2-1. It will not be an easy task for the Orange and Blue, as Sacramento State is a perfect 5-0 at home in 2007.

UTEP's Rally At Fresno State Falls Short, 3-2

A late push by the UTEP soccer team came up just short at Fresno State, as the Miners dropped a hard-fought contest, 3-2, Friday evening. UTEP trailed 3-0 with six minutes to play in the match before it staged a furious rally. Cortney Casey buried a shot to slice into the Bulldogs' lead before freshman Lauren Hamson notched her first-career goal less than two minutes later to bring the Miners within one. The Orange and Blue made one final rush up field in the final minute, desperately trying to send the contest into overtime but they were unable to do so.

Hamson Gets In On The Scoring

With plenty of natural talent, it was only a matter of time before freshman Lauren Hamson registered a goal. She picked up her first-career tally at Fresno Sate on Friday, putting away a pass from Jami Tullius to bring the Miners within one goal. Prior to Friday, Hamson had been more of a playmaker for the Orange and Blue. She made a pair of nifty passes to set up two goals in UTEP's triumph against Alabama A&M on Sept. 14. Hamson has registered three assists, to rank tied for first on the team with Tullius and Cortney Casey. With an athletic frame and tremendous vision, look for the freshman to continue to rack up the points throughout the year.

Salvi Saves Season-High 10 Shots

While the Miners suffered a 3-2 setback at Fresno State, they were able close thanks to the play of senior netminder Jessica Salvi. She turned away a season-high 10 shots, including three in the first five minutes of the match.

UTEP Knows How To Bounce Back

While the Miners have not lost often during head coach Kevin Cross' era, they do know how to learn from their mistakes and bounce back. Consider the following; since the 2002 campaign, UTEP has only lost back-to-back games on three occasions. Making that even more impressive is that two of those streaks were during the 2003 season. Moreover, the Miners have not lost more than two straight games since Cross' first year as head coach (2001), when he inherited a squad that had been depleted.

Has Done So This Year

The Miners have done a good job this season in games following a loss. UTEP is 2-0 in the contest after a setback in 2007, having out-scored the opposition 7-1.

UTEP Taking Care Of Business In The Second Half

The UTEP soccer team has been especially impressive in the second half of games in 2007. The Miners have out-scored the opposition 21-4 in the second stanza this year.

Miners' Offense Loves The Second Half

UTEP's offense is one of the best in the country, evidenced by the Miners ranking ninth nationally in goals per game. UTEP would probably rate even higher if it can figure out how to get its offensive attack going in the first half. Entering the tilt at Sacramento State, 21 of the Orange and Blue's 27 goals on the campaign have come during the second stanza.

UTEP's "D" Does Too The Miners' offense is not the only part of the squad to be thriving in the second half. UTEP's defense has been equally impressive after the break, allowing only four second-half goals.

Sumter Making Waves Nationally

Sophomore forward Tameka Sumter has had a sizzling start to the 2007 season, scoring 10 goals to rank tied for second in the country entering the weekend. The San Antonio, Texas, native has registered goals in seven of the nine contests on the year. Sumter's career total now stands at 23 goals, which places her tied for seventh in program history. With her strike against Alabama A&M on Sept. 14, Sumter reached the 20 goal plateau in just 27 games. That effort was the second fastest in program history. Only current assistant coach Holly Cohen (22), recorded her 20th career tally with fewer games played. Sumter's success in 2007 should come as no surprise, as she led Conference USA in goals a year ago. As a rookie, Sumter paced the league and set a UTEP freshman record in the process with 13 goals.

More On The Sensational Sophomore

Not only has Tameka Sumter been scoring often in 2007, but she has been doing it with multiple-goal tallies. She has registered three multiple-goal outings, to bring her career total to six. Already, that places Sumter tied for fourth in school history. Additionally, three of Sumter's goals have served as match winners. For her career, Sumter has provided five game-winning goals to rank tied for seventh in program annals.

Sumter Has A History As Prolific Goal Scorer

Tameka Sumter's success on the collegiate level does not come as a shock to those who saw her as a standout performer at Sandra Day O'Connor High School. Sumter set the San Antonio area schools career scoring record with a mind-boggling 118 goals. She had 35 goals as a senior and 38 during her junior campaign.

Casey Thriving As Well

Cortney Casey's efforts in 2007 should not be overlooked, as the junior has already surpassed her output from last year. After scoring against Fresno State on Friday, Casey has registered eight goals to go along with three assists. The Mesa, Ariz., native is second in C-USA play for goals and points, trailing only teammate Tameka Sumter. Additionally, she is 34th in the country in goals per game.

Don't Overlook Tullius

Senior Jami Tullius has also gotten off to a solid start in 2007. UTEP's career record holder in goals and points has displayed her all-around ability with four goals and four assists. That effort places Tullius third on the team with 12 points.

UTEP's Offense Leading C-USA Again

Entering the weekend of play, UTEP's offense is atop the Conference USA leaderboard at 3.0 goals per game. That fact should come as no surprise, as the Miners also paced the league in both 2005 and 2006.

Doing So In Other Categories As Well

In addition to leading the league in goals scored, the Miners also are pacing Conference USA in assists, corner kicks, points and shots.

Faring Well Nationally Also

Heading into the weekend, UTEP checks in ninth in the country in goals per game. The Miners were 12th nationally in 2006.

Miners Placing Plenty Among C-USA Leaders

UTEP's individuals are taking care of business statistically in Conference USA, as well, as the Miners are responsible for leaders in four categories. Tameka Sumter paces the league in goals and points, while Cortney Casey sits atop the leaderboard for shots. Casey is second in goals and points, while Jami Tullius checks in seventh and sixth, respectively, in those categories. Anoop Josan ranks tied for second in shots and Jo Radcliffe shares 10th place for goals.

Three-Headed Monster

Cortney Casey, Tameka Sumter and Jami Tullius have accounted for 22 of UTEP's 28 goals on the campaign. Freshman Lauren Hamson, senior Angle Kleinfelder, Junior college transfer Jo Radcliffe, sophomore midfielder Anoop Josan and senior defender Kristin Wernimont are responsible for the other six tallies.

Hamson The Playmaker

Midfielder Lauren Hamson made a pair of nifty passes to set up two goals in UTEP's triumph against Alabama A&M on Sept. 14. She has registered three assists, to rank tied for first on the team with Jami Tullius and Cortney Casey. With an athletic frame and tremendous vision, look for the freshman to continue to rack up the points throughout the year.

Tullius Adding To Record With Every Goal

Senior forward and El Paso native Jami Tullius calmly converted a penalty kick in the waning minutes against Idaho to notch her fourth goal in 2007. Tullius has now registered a school-record 38 goals in her time in the Sun City.

Closing In On 100 Career Points

By registering an assist against Fresno State on Friday, it lifted Jami Tullius' career point to 90 points. Tullius surpassed current assistant coach Kelly Parker's previous program standard earlier in the year with a goal against Portland State.

Closing In On Other Records Too

Already the school record holder for career goals and points, senior Jami Tullius is on the cusp of two other career marks. She checks third in multiple-goal games (seven) and is tied for third in match-winning goals (nine). Holly Cohen owns the multiple-goal games standard (10) and Christine McCartney and Ja'net Esparza are tied for first in game-winning goals.

46-6-1 At Home Since 2002 Not Too Shabby

Although the Miners' lost against Weber State on Sept. 9 halted a 13-match winning streak in El Paso, UTEP still has plenty to be proud of. Overall, the Miners are 46-6-1 at home since 2002. Additionally, they have emerged victorious in 35 of their past 38 matches in the Sun City.

Fans Play Big Role In UTEP's Home Success

Gaudy numbers at home would not be possible without a loyal fan base, and the Miners are fortunate to be supported extremely well by El Pasoans. Passionate, loud crowds have been the norm game after game, making University Field one of the toughest places to play not only in Conference USA but in the nation as well. The Miners have played before 14 crowds that surpassed the facility's 500-person capacity the past five seasons, including an overflow crowd of 928 against St. Mary's on Sept. 4.

Sumter And Tullius Have Knack For Scoring In Same Game

Not only are Tameka Sumter and Jami Tullius great goal scorers, but they have developed an uncanny ability to both score in the same game. Including 2007, Tullius and Sumter have each registered a goal in the same game on seven different occasions. Sumter scored at least one goal in all five games during the 2006 campaign in which Tullius beat the keeper, and both recorded goals against Sam Houston State and North Texas during the first weekend of the season.

Miners Peppering The Opposition With Shots

Through eight games, UTEP has already taken 205 shots (almost 21 per game). That average is more than three shots higher than what the Miners averaged throughout the 2006 campaign, and it would establish the school standard. More important, though, is that UTEP has converted 29 of those chances into goals.

Don't Forget The "D"

UTEP's defense has also been impressive, limiting the opposition to 133 shots (72 fewer than UTEP) and just 14 goals. It has been a mix of veterans and newcomers alike handling the task, with head coach Kevin Cross blessed with a very deep base of talent.

Taylor's Transition To Defense Seamless

Sophomore defender Neresa Taylor, who fought through an injury-riddled campaign in 2006 to appear in nine games as a midfield, is healthy this year and making a big impact. The native of Beaumont, Texas, who is possibly the fastest player on the squad, switched to defense in the offseason and has been very solid on the outside for the Miners. She has started all 10 games on the year-surpassing her total from 2006-, doing a good job of positioning and winning balls. Taylor hasn't forgotten her offensive roots, though, as she picked up her second assist on the year against St. Mary's on Sept. 4 after making a brilliant play to set up Tameka Sumter's gamewinning goal.

Desilets Steady As Can Be

Freshman defender Melissa Desilets earned her first career start against Weber State on Sept. 9, and the native of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, performed admirably. She did a solid job with her marking, and showed off an ability to win balls in the air. She has continued to play well since that point, evidenced by her starting the past five matches.

Wernimont The Warrior

Senior defender Kristin Wernimont has been one of head coach Kevin Cross' most consistent players since she arrived on campus four years ago. That is the case again for the co-captain in 2007, as Wernimont has played all 870 minutes on the campaign thus far. She has done so splendidly, holding down the important sweeper position.

RECYCLED NOTES

Miners Battle Lobos To 2-2 Draw

In a physical game with plenty of emotion, the UTEP soccer team played to a 2-2 draw in the championship match of the eighth-annual Border Shootout at University Field on Sunday afternoon. UTEP now stands at 6-2-1 on the year, while the Lobos move to 4-2-2. The Miners showed plenty of heart in earning the tie, as they rallied from a 2-0 deficit less than three minutes into the match. Tameka Sumter notched her 10th goal of the campaign to start the comeback and senior Kristin Wernimont capped it by burying a rebound with 10 minutes left to force overtime.

Winning Streak Hits Three With 4-1 Win Against Idaho

UTEP erupted for two goals in a span of less than one minute to break open a 1-1 game at the half en route to cruising past Idaho, 4-1, to open the eighth-annual Border Shootout in fine fashion at University Field on Sept. 21. It was an impressive offensive showing for the Orange and Blue, as Idaho had permitted just four goals in five games entering the match. Cortney Casey scored twice, and added an assist, to lead the offensive onslaught. Jo Radcliffe and Jami Tullius also registered goals, while Tameka Sumter picked up an assist. Senior netminder Jessica Salvi made seven saves, including two spectacular stops in the first half, to key the defensive efforts.

Miners Take Care Of Business At Texas State, 2-0

Tameka Sumter's two second-half goals in a span of less than four minutes, combined with stifling team defense, added up to a 2-0 win at Texas State on Sept. 16 for the UTEP soccer team. The Miners were dominant on both ends of the pitch, out-shooting TSU by a margin of 20-9, including an edge of eight to three in shots on goal.

Casey's Hat Trick Sends UTEP Past Alabama A&M, 5-0

The UTEP soccer team thrashed Alabama A&M, 5-0, at University Field on Sept. 14, with Cortney Casey notching her first career hat trick to lead the offensive onslaught. The Miners dominated in every facet of the game, out-shooting the Lady Bulldogs 23-6. In fact, A&M, which led the nation in scoring in 2006, managed just two shots on net.

Conference USA Honors Sumter

Tameka Sumter was named the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 17, after scoring three goals to help lead the Miners to a perfect 2-0 mark this against Alabama A&M and Texas State. It marked the second time of her career that the sophomore native was so honored.

Popoff Steady In 2007 Debut

Although she was tested only twice against Alabama A&M, senior netminder Brittany Popoff was solid in her 2007 debut against the Lady Bulldogs. The native of Westbank, B.C., turned away both of the chances to pick up her 16th career shutout. That figure ranks second all time in program annals.

Casey's Hat Trick Puts Her In The Record Books

Cortney Casey's hat trick against Alabama A&M on Sept. 14 was the first of her career at UTEP and the 14th all time in program history. That's quite an accomplishment for a player who spent most of the spring and summer training sessions working on converting to a defender.

UTEP Falls To Weber State, 2-1

The UTEP soccer team lost a hard-fought game to Weber State, 2-1, in the championship match of the 10th-annual Miner Classic at University Field on Sept. 9. Tameka Sumter scored her Conference USA leading sixth goal of the campaign for UTEP's lone tally.

Miners Blank Portland State, 2-0 Anoop Josan scored on a penalty kick in the 66th minute to break a scoreless tie, and UTEP's defense did the rest as the Miners knocked off Portland State, 2-0, to kick off the 10th-annual Miner Classic in fine fashion at University Field on Sept 7. Jessica Salvi made six saves on the night to record her first shutout of the 2007 campaign, while Jami Tullius registered her third goal on the year to give the Miners some much needed breathing room with eight minutes to play.

Salvi Shines In Shutout

Senior goaltender Jessica Salvi was in top form against Portland State on Sept. 7, making six saves against the Vikings to register her first shutout in 2007. The effort improved Salvi to 3-1 on the campaign and 13-2 all time in UTEP, with the winning percentage of .867 tops in program annals.

Makes History As Well

Not only did Jessica Salvi turn in a brilliant performance against Portland State, but she made history in the process. It wasn't for her goaltending, though, but rather for a booming kick to clear away a Portland State thru ball that set up Jami Tullius' insurance goal. In being credited with the assist, Salvi became the first UTEP netminder in program history to register an assist. Salvi's kick easily cleared midfield, and the large bounce sent Tullius streaking in alone on net.

Josan Delivers In The Clutch

Anoop Josan has displayed nerves of steel since arriving in the Sun City in 2006. The most recent example came in UTEP's triumph against Portland State on Sept. 7. Josan made a brilliant pass to a streaking Tameka Sumter, who was dragged down in the box to set up a UTEP penalty kick. It was the 66th minute, and the match was scoreless, but Josan was as calm as can be as she stood over the ball. Josan drilled it past a helpless PSU netminder to put the Miners up 1-0 on her first goal of 2007. Overall, three of Josan's six career goals have served as gamewinning tallies.

Perfect In PKs

Anoop Josan's penalty kick against Portland State on Sept. 7 made her a perfect two-for-two in her career in the Sun City on penalty kicks. Both of her goals have served as match winners, as Josan's other conversion on a penalty kick came against No. 17 Rice in a 1-0 victory last season.

UTEP Gets Back On Track

Tameka Sumter scored twice, including a spectacular goal on a bicycle kick, to lead the UTEP soccer team past an upstart St. Mary's squad, 2-1, in front of the third-largest crowd in program history at University Field on Sept. 4. UTEP out-shot the Ratters, 26-8, including 14-3 on goal. The Miners were in control most of the night, dominating possession and earning eight corner kicks compared to one for St. Mary's. A raucous crowd of 928 cheered on the Orange and Blue from the opening kickoff.

What A Crowd

The Miners' season-opening match against St. Mary's attracted 928 fans to University Field on Sept. 4. That figure ranks as the third-highest total in the 11-year history of the program. The school record for attendance at a home match stands at 1,106, which came on Oct. 8, 2006, in UTEP's 1-0 victory against No. 17 Rice.

Cross Reaches 80-Win Plateau

The win against St. Mary's on Sept. 4 was the 80th career triumph for head coach Kevin Cross. In the midst of his seventh season at the helm of the program, the native of Richardson, Texas, has built the Miners into a regional and national power. UTEP has enjoyed a school-record five straight 10-plus win seasons. Entering the 2007 campaign, Cross ranked 27th nationally with a .672 career winning percentage.

Miners Fall In High-Scoring Affair At North Texas, 4-3

In a game featuring two of the top offenses in the country, the UTEP soccer team (1-1) fell at North Texas (2-0), 4-3, on Sept. 2. The Miners showed plenty of heart in the setback, erasing a 2-0 deficit at the half to tie the match in the 73rd minute on Cortney Casey's goal, but UNT retook the lead for good courtesy of a penalty kick with less than seven minutes to play. Casey, Jami Tullius and Tameka Sumter each scored for the second straight match for the Miners, while senior netminder Jessica Salvi registered nine saves. Casey also added an assist.

Tough To Swallow

UTEP fought back against a very talented North Texas team, which went 15-5-2 in 2006, to tie the match at two late in the second half. The hard work by the Miners was undone, though, when the Mean Green were awarded a penalty kick with less than seven minutes to play in the game. Traditionally in soccer, officials tend to put their whistles in their back pocket late in the match, especially when action is inside the box. UTEP did not get discouraged, though, even after North Texas added another goal two minutes later thanks to the Miners having to alter their strategy in an effort to find the equalizer. Rather, the Orange and Blue went on the offensive and climbed back within one with Tameka Sumter's tally.

UTEP Whips Sam Houston State, 6-1, In Season Opener

The UTEP women's soccer team kicked off the 2007 campaign in fine fashion, trouncing Sam Houston State 6-1 at Pritchett Field on Aug. 31. The game was tied, 1-1, at the half before the Miners erupted for five goals in the second period to coast to victory. Jo Radcliffe and Tameka Sumter each scored twice to lead the offensive onslaught, while senior netminder Jessica Salvi made five saves. UTEP registered 25 shots on goal while limiting the Bearkats to only six tries on net. The Miners took eight corner kicks compared to one for SHSU.

Success In Campaign Lid Lifters Nothing New

With the triumph against Sam Houston State, the Miners improved to 9-3 all time in season-opening matches, including 6-1 under head coach Kevin Cross. UTEP has dominated in campaign-christening contests, out-pacing the opposition to the tune of 43-15.

That's A Lot Of Goals The six goals against Sam Houston State are the most in a game by the Miners since UTEP tallied 11 against Grambling State on Aug. 31, 2006. The effort tied as the 10th- highest sum in program annals.

And It Happened On The Road

Not only did UTEP score six goals on Aug. 31, but they accomplished the feat in enemy territory. The offensive outburst checked in as the third-highest total by the Miners in a road contest in school history.

Must Have Been Some Half Time Speech

Who knows exactly what head coach Kevin Cross said to his charges at the half, but whatever it was, the message certainly hit home. The Miners' offense came to life for five second-half goals against Sam Houston State. That figure ties as the third-most tallies during the second half in the Cross era.

Miners Tabbed Fourth In C-USA Preseason Poll

The UTEP soccer team was predicted by the leagues' coaches to finish in fourth place for the 2007 season, according to the preseason poll released by the Conference USA office on Aug. 16. It is the highest the Miners have been tabbed in the preseason poll since joining the league, which means that conference foes are starting to develop a healthy respect for the Orange and Blue.

Anoop Garners Recognition

Anoop Josan, who had a tremendous rookie campaign in 2006, was selected to the Preseason All-Conference USA squad, it was announced by the league office on Aug. 16. It marks the second straight year that the Miners have placed an individual on the conference's all-preseason team.

And The Captains Are...

Head coach Kevin Cross recently announced the captains for the 2007 squad, with seniors Jami Tullius and Kristin Wernimont sharing the honors. It is a fitting pair, as each is entering her fourth year with the squad. The duo has played a large role in the Miners posting a 50-16-2 since arriving on campus.

Same Face, Different Place

One of the reasons that UTEP has been so successful under Kevin Cross has been the willingness of players to put the team before themselves. The most recent example of this was during the offseason, when several players changed positions for the good of the team. Senior Angie Kleinfelder has switched to the midfield position after playing forward for three years. Junior Cortney Casey, UTEP's top scorer off the bench in 2006, has learned to play defense and will use her skills to shut down the opposition's top scoring threats. Also converted to defender was Neresa Taylor, who is considered the fastest player on the squad.

Plenty Of New Faces

While the Miners return a talented group of 12 letterwinners from last year's team that posted a 15-6 record, there certainly is not a shortage of newcomers on the 2007 roster. Ten rookies have been added since the end of last year. The breakdown is as follows; six freshmen and four junior-college transfers. Each of the players is expected to contribute in some way throughout the year.

What A Group Of Seniors

This year's senior class of Brandi Aston, Angie Kleinfelder, Brittany Popoff, Jessica Salvi, Jami Tullius and Kristin Wernimont has been extremely successful since arriving in the Sun City. UTEP has posted a record of 52-17-2 since 2004, the best three-year stretch in terms of most wins, fewest losses and winning percentage in program history. While the 2007 slate will once again be challenging, count on this group to set the bar for success high and continue to make Miner fans proud.

We Aren't Scared Of Those BCS Teams

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 record against BCS schools since 2002, which is a sparkling 7-1.

Looking Back At 2006

UTEP went 15-6 a year ago, including 10-0 at University Field, and extended its streak to 11 straight conference tournament appearances. The Miners defeated two nationally-ranked opponents, No. 17 Rice and No. 25 Colorado College. Other accomplishments included setting program records for goals allowed (20), goals against average (0.93) and shutouts (11). Six of those blankings were consecutive, which also established a school standard. The Miners scored 56 goals-the third-highest sum in program annals-to pace Conference USA, with their average of 2.67 goals per game placing them 12th nationally. UTEP also led the league in save percentage, checking in at 14th in the country. Individuals continued to be noticed for their play, as five different players combined to reel in a program-best-tying six league player of the week accolades, including sweeping the award two straight weekends. Nationally, four different Miners were placed on national teams of the week a school-record eight times.

UTEP Plays To 1-1 Draw With Alumni

In a tune-up for the regular-season opener against Sam Houston State, the UTEP soccer team battled the Alumni Team to a 1-1 tie at University Field on Aug. 25. Cortney Casey scored with 25 minutes to play in the second half to put the Miners up 1-0, but the Alumni Team found the equalizer with two minutes left in the game courtesy of current assistant coach Kelly Parker's goal. UTEP out-shot the Alumni Team 32-12 and held a 10-2 edge in corner kicks. Junior Kira Lazenby patrolled the net for the Alumni Team, making 11 saves while seniors Jessica Salvi and Brittany Popoff combined for five stops for the Miners.