EL PASO, Texas – The UTEP soccer team dictated play across the board, but it couldn't overcome an early deficit in a 1-0 setback against Stephen F. Austin Sunday afternoon.
 
The Miners (2-3-1) dominated all facets of the contest, holding significant advantages in shots (26-6), shots on goal (10-1) and corner kicks (5-2) only to have a tally less than three minutes into the match from the Lumberjacks' (1-2-2) Sydney Williams (2') hold up despite a barrage from the Orange and Blue.
 
UTEP tilted the field toward SFA throughout, but it could not break through. Visiting netminder Sierra McCluer racked up 10 stops, including denying Ana Quintero on a one vs. one situation in the first half (14') and robbing Zeta McDannels on a penalty kick in the second stanza (63'). The Miners got four tries on target in the opening frame and six at McCluer after the break. The only shot on goal for the Lumberjacks managed to best UTEP GK Savanah Finley, who did a fine job controlling her box in other situations that dictated punchouts or clearances.
 
"It's my responsibility to make sure we are prepared to play and set up to create and finish chances," UTEP head coach Gibbs Keeton said. "We aren't just playing the games. We are working on them all week. It is my job to make us hungry and ruthless in front of the goal. I believe we have the players and ability to do it, and we will continue to push towards our objectives every day."
 
UTEP looked to have good chance within the first minute of the match, but Hayden McMillan was offside by a hair. The Lumberjacks countered, securing a corner kick. UTEP fought it off, but SFA maintained possession. The ball was played to the top of the area, which was settled by Williams. She fired, and the ball kissed the bar before dropping straight down and over the line.
 
The Miners attacked immediately off the kickoff, setting up Quintero on the right wing. The sophomore unleashed a low try with velocity, but it was turned away cleanly. Two minutes later, it was Mina Rodriguez vying for the equalizer, but the shot was blocked. In the ninth minute, Quintero did a quick spin to create space before blasting it wide.
 
Quintero had a tremendous look on a give-and-go with McMillan that sent her in alone in the 14th minute. McCluer raced off the line to challenge her, which allowed her to eat up the shot.
 
The Miners continued to possess and generate chances as the half wore on. Off a corner kick, Yesenia Cisneros played a brilliant service that found a cutting McDannels. She elevated but McCluer dove and pushed the ball just wide in the 30th minute. UTEP could not get a look on frame on the ensuing corner.
 
The Orange and Blue kept the ball deep in SFA territory where Grace Culver was the beneficiary of a couple quick passes to have some free space to work with. She blasted it , but once again McCluer kept it out with the save.
 
UTEP had one final corner kick late in the stanza, but it was unable to convert. That allowed SFA to carry the 1-0 edge into halftime despite the Miners having a 10-1 cushion for shots and shots on goal (4-1).
 
The Orange and Blue picked up where they left off with persistent pressure, including a corner two minutes into the stanza. It didn't pay dividends, however. Ashlyn Neireiter ripped one off a free kick, but it was plenty high. McDannels then headed a shot that was off target in the 53rd minute.
 
Two decisive passes led to McMillan having some space to tinker with at the top of the 18-yard box. Her shot, however, didn't have the pace she desired. That allowed McCluer to calmly collect it as it bounced in on her.
 
The Miners had a golden opportunity in the 63rd minute after McMillan drew a foul in the box. McDannels stood over the ball, but McCluer was up to the task with a diving save on the PK.
 
McCluer was able to come up with four more saves down the stretch, stopping respective opportunities from Ashlee Mora (77'), Sarina Villa Cuellar (79'), Rodriguez (82') and Dannique Wilson (85'). Wilson's chance was the best, coming on a cross that put her on top of the frame, but somehow McCluer denied her.
 
The Miners will look to bounce back with a trip to the Gem State. UTEP will lock up at Idaho at 7 p.m. MT Thursday before playing at Boise State at 1 p.m. MT on Sept. 7.
 
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