This past Friday night, the UTSA soccer team finished their season with another heartbreaking loss to the University of Texas at El Paso Miners. Tessa Carlin scored the only goal of the game, with a shot from right outside the goal box that slipped past the keeper to give the Miners the lead and capture the win. With the loss, the ‘Runners finished the season 8-8-1, 4-6-0 C-USA record, while UTEP improved to 10-6-2, 5-4-1 C-USA on the season.

Despite the loss, the ‘Runners’ finished the season with a .500 winning percentage for the first time since joining Conference-USA in 2011. This season was marked by several close games, with the ‘Runners losing hold of them in the final 10 minutes. Friday’s game marked the last time Nicole Galan, Katieann Lochte, Jordyn Lacy, Sarah Bayhi, Harper Luczka, Camrynne Hoover and Sophie Millich will wear the orange, blue and white. This season saw numerous freshmen and sophomores crack into the first team and make immediate impacts. The ‘Runners look to build off the season and ahead to next year with key players Lexi Bolton, Kendall Kloza, Isa Hernandez, Ellis Patterson and Deja Sandoval. Sandoval and Kloza were crucial this season for the ‘Runners’ backline, and Abby Kassal made her presence known in the midfield alongside Sarina Russ. Karlee Willey proved to be a viable attacking winger, while Alex Granville demonstrated that she’s capable of holding her own among the older and more experienced players. Additionally, Maci Bakarich showed flashes of her hustle and excellent footwork on the ball.

With returning players like Patterson, Bolton and Hernandez, as well as the younger players we saw glimpses of this season, the ‘Runners will be a strong team going into the 2020 season.