UTEP Cross Country Teams Won Lori Fitzgerald Invitational
The Miners dominated their home meet while the women's soccer team extended an unbeaten streak.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Soccer
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The UTEP men's and women's cross country teams captured titles at the 40th annual Lori Fitzgerald Invitational. Meanwhile, the Miners' soccer squad secured a draw against New Mexico State University to remain undefeated.
Why it matters
Success at the home meet highlights the current momentum for UTEP athletics across multiple programs. The unbeaten non-conference start for the soccer team provides a strong foundation heading into league play.
The UTEP men's team won with 17 points, while the women's team finished with 35 points in the 40th annual meet. The women's soccer team concluded its non-conference schedule with a 6-0-4 record.
The players
UTEP
The University of Texas at El Paso is a public research university that sponsors diverse athletic programs competing at the Division I level.
New Mexico State University
This public research university located in Las Cruces frequently competes against regional rivals in various athletic sports.
Zeta McDannels
A soccer player for UTEP who contributed a key goal to help the team maintain its unbeaten record.
Juan Leal
A distance runner who secured a first-place finish in the men's 8K race at the invitational.
The details
Juan Leal led the men's 8K victory with a first-place finish, followed by teammates Nathan Kapel and Paul Rotich. In soccer, Zeta McDannels scored a crucial equalizing goal in the 52nd minute to maintain the team's unbeaten status.
Timeline
September 19, 2026: The Lori Fitzgerald Invitational cross country meet occurred.
September 24, 2026: UTEP soccer plays UNLV in a Mountain West game.
October 3, 2026: Cross country team competes at Chili Pepper Festival.
Season Trajectory
This year's 40th Lori Fitzgerald Invitational confirms the competitive growth of the UTEP cross country program. The team's performance establishes a high baseline for success as they move toward the upcoming Chili Pepper Festival.
The UTEP soccer team enters Mountain West conference play with a 6-0-4 record, impacting their seeding potential. The cross country sweep demonstrates strong roster depth ahead of the October regional competition.
The takeaway
Maintaining an unbeaten record throughout a non-conference season requires disciplined performance in critical late-game moments. Athletes can learn from the UTEP squad's ability to secure points under pressure to sustain momentum throughout long competitive schedules.
What happens next
The UTEP soccer team will play UNLV in a Mountain West game on September 24, 2026, followed by the cross country team's competition at the Chili Pepper Festival on October 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on collegiate sports, visit Soccer.
Source note: This article includes information reported by El Paso Times.
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