The Southern Miss women’s soccer (6-3, C-USA 0-1) team lost its first C-USA bout against UTEP (5-5) on Sunday.

The one goal victory came in the 89th minute of play despite the Golden Eagles outshooting the Miners, 28-17. The Miners goalie, Alyssa Palacios, recorded six saves in the contest, as her efforts were another factor to UTEP’s victory.

Despite the effective wing attack of Southern Miss, finding the back of the net was an issue. Junior Stephanie Garcia recorded sevens shots on the day, but only one of the seven was on target. Garcia was not the one to blame as the Golden Eagles only recorded six of their 28 shots on target.

Southern Miss controlled the tempo of the game throughout the contest but could not catch a break. In the 12th minute, Southern Miss recorded back-to-back corner kicks that resulted in two shots but they did not keep the momentum for long. In the 22nd minute, UTEP kicked a corner kick that resulted in Southern Miss’ goalie Kelly Brahmbhatt reaching out for a save.

The defensive game continued in the second half of play as Garcia hit the post in the 55th minute and then had her shot blocked on the corner kick following after. It was not until the 73rd minute until the tide turned for UTEP. The Miners then started to see an abundance of offense in their favor and capitalized on it for the victory.

Sunday’s loss was the first loss at home for the Golden Eagles, but they cannot dwell on it as they host Western Kentucky on Thursday at 4 p.m.