Game Book
DAVIS, Calif. – Macey Williams (28') and
Ashlyn Neireiter (52') both scored while
Savanah Finley registered a season-high-tying seven saves, but the UTEP soccer team was upended, 3-2, at UC Davis on Sunday.
Two of the three goals in the game for the Aggies (6-9-3, 4-4-1 MW) came after a penalty kick was awarded on VAR review, including the match winner from Kaya Herndon (85'). The Miners (8-7-3, 2-7 MW) struck first on a banger on a free kick by Williams, but a PK strike Courtney Wagner (48') tied the tilt early in the second half. UTEP went back in front with its own PK tally, also on a VAR review, from Neireiter. Ashley Brewer's (56') breakaway goal, which was close to being offside, tied the tilt. UCD escaped with the victory following another goal from the spot.
Cat Pieper finished with two saves for the home unit.
The Miners created the first offensive chance of the contest when
Haylee Lancaster found a crease in the defense. She drilled a shot (4') that crept just wide of the frame. The Aggies pressed up the pitch. Jaycee DeFazio found space to work with, but Finley snuffed out the shot (5'). The Orange and Blue had a good look in the area only to have
Dannique Wilson's blast (10') blocked.
UC Davis had a brilliant opportunity when Karla Sandoval was loose in the box, but Finley reacted for the point-blank save on the attempt (13'). Finley then punched out a try (18') by Lakelee Perkins. The ball stayed in the area, with Finley eventually snatching a lob (18') from Brewer. She turned away a floater (26') from Perkins to keep the match scoreless.
The Miners rewarded Finley for her efforts by getting on the board at the other end. Williams drilled a banger (28') that blistered into upper-90 country to put the Miners in front, 1-0. UTEP kept up its pressure after taking the lead, with
Zeta McDannels' header (32') forcing a leaping save by Pieper.
The home side had a promising look, but good shape from the Orange and Blue resulted in an offside call (43'). UTEP took care of the final couple of minutes in the frame, carrying the advantage into the locker room.
The Aggies pressured almost immediately in the second half, but UTEP blocked a shot (46'). UC Davis kept at it, earning a penalty kick after a VAR decision determined a push in the box by the Miners. Wagner slipped the shot past a diving Finley.
The Orange and Blue were unfazed, sending the ball ahead into the area.
Ava Grosso was taken down, but there was no call. After a VAR review, the Miners were awarded their own penalty kick. Neireiter stood over the spot before calmly striking the shot (52') into the right side of the net to put UTEP back in front.
It was short-lived, as UCD evaded being offside with a perfectly-timed through ball to send in Brewer in alone. She smacked the shot (57') which was partially deflected by Finley before ending up in the back of the net.
UTEP had an opportunity to regain the lead, but Lancaster's shot (65') was saved. Finley then did her part by stoning DeFazio (71'). The Miners appeared in good shape to pick up a point on the road, but another VAR review went against them. It led to a second PK attempt for the home side, and Herndon bested Finley.
The Miners battled after falling behind for the first time in the match, but they couldn't put away another chance.
UTEP will conclude the 2026 season when it plays host to Grand Canyon on "Senior Night" at 7 p.m. MT Friday.
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