EL PASO, Texas - Hawaii dropped its second straight road match with a 2-1 loss to UTEP Sunday afternoon at University Field. Christine McCartney scored the game-winning goal with nine minutes left in regulation to drop the Rainbow Wahine to 9-4-2 overall and 2-2 in the WAC.
Hawaii lost despite finishing the match with a 16-3 shot advantage. UH played outstanding, aggressive defense in the first half as the Miners were unable to even get a shot off. But the opportunistic Miners (9-2-1, 2-0-1 WAC) were able to convert on two of its three shots in the second half to stay undefeated in conference play.
After a scoreless first half, UTEP got on the board on its first shot of the match in the 48th minute. Midfielder Kia Sams gathered the ball in the right corner of the penalty box and sent a left-footed chip shot that sailed over Erin Chow. UH responded 13 minutes later on senior Robyn deHay's second goal of the season. Gabrielle Bohlman served a high pass to deHay who one-timed a right-footed rocket from 15 yards out to tie the match in the 61st minute. The Rainbow Wahine had a prime opportunity to take the lead in the 75th minute but Natasha Kai's point-blank shot was stuffed by UTEP goalie Brittany Popoff.
The Miners took advantage of just its third opportunity of the game when Christine McCartney slipped past the UH defense, received a through ball from Sams and hammered home the game-winner at the 80:18 mark. After winning six regular season conference road matches, dating back to the 2002, UH has lost its last two, both in heart-breaking fashion.
The Rainbow Wahine look to rebound when they return to Honolulu for their final regular season home matches. UH faces Nevada on Friday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Waipio Peninsula Soccer Stadium.
match statistics
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