Final minute goal lifts UTEP over UH in soccer

Advertiser Staff

Texas El-Paso's Heather Clark scored in the final minute to lift the Miners over Hawai'i, 3-2, in a Western Athletic Conference soccer match yesterday in El Paso, Texas.

The Rainbow Wahine (5-6-2, 2-1) took a 2-0 lead on first-half goals by Natalie Groenewoud on an assist from Krystalynn Ontai in the 18th minute, and Joelle Sugai on an assist from Natasha Kai in the 29th minute.

Two identical 30-yard free kicks from the Miners' Kelly Parker, who leads the WAC with 17 assists, were chipped over the Hawai'i defense to set up goals for Clark and Kaletia Roberts (35:23).

"We didn't defend too well against their set plays, which we knew about," said Hawai'i coach Pinsoom Tenzing. "She (Parker) is an expert at putting the ball in the right area. Their timing is exquisite."

UTEP's (13-1-0, 4-1) scoring leader Holly Cohen (19 goals) scored in the 60th minute to tie the game at 2.

Hawai'i missed an opportunity when Mia Moe's 15-yard free kick sailed over the goal in the 83rd minute.

Hawai'i plays Southern Methodist in a WAC match tomorrow.