EL PASO, TEXAS – Powered by stifling defense and goals from four different players, the UTEP soccer team drilled Incarnate Word, 4-0, to open up the Fifth-Annual Border Bash in style at University Field Friday.

Bri Thomas (19:59), Angela Cutaia (49:22), Nicole Lindsay (63:22) and Alexis Roberts (84:52) found the back of the net for the Miners (3-0-1), who played an extremely efficient contest against the Cardinals (0-3-0). Hannah Nicholson and Amanda Pak got into the act as well with assists while Cutaia and Lindsay also added helpers.

The defense did not concede a corner kick while Sarah Dilling and Keighton Allen each recorded a save to secure a school-record fourth straight shutout to start the season. The Miners have now outscored the opposition by a combined tally of 10-0.

“I thought the first half was solid but in the second half we played UTEP soccer,” UTEP head coach Kevin Cross said. “I challenged the team right before they went out to start the second half, and they put it all together. I think it was some of the best soccer we’ve played this season. I was really, really proud of them. It was a great team effort.”

UTEP dominated possession, enjoyed a 10-6 cushion in shots and 5-0 advantage for corner kicks.

The Miners worked the ball down into Cardinal territory early in the contest but Karly Brightwell did well to snag the cross. Lindsay then played a beautiful ball to the box only to have the UIW defense win the service. Another factor early on in the tilt was a tight back line to trap the Miners offside a trio of occasions in the first 15 minutes.

The visitors broke down four minutes, on a set piece. Thomas finished a service from fellow classmate Nicholson on a corner kick. The Miners continued to keep the pressure on as the half wore on. UIW withstood the sequence well, and the difference remained one (1-0) heading into halftime.

Perhaps energized by Cross’s message, the Miners came out a more determined team to start the second stanza. The result was a simply sensational 45-minute display of soccer. Cutaia got things going by burying the feed from Lindsay. The two reversed roles 14 minutes later on a breathtaking thru ball to send Lindsay in all alone. She did well to settle the bouncing ball and then hammed it home past a helpless Brightwell.

UTEP showed good sportsmanship by emptying its bench for the remainder of the match. Two reserves teamed up for the fourth and final goal when Pak got a cross through to Roberts.

UTEP will wrap up the demanding stretch when it will play host to Houston Baptist at 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 but fans may gain free entry to the tilt by wearing a club or country soccer jersey as part of “Club & Country Day.” There is also a Soccer and Splash soccer clinic after Sunday’s game.

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