LARAMIE, Wyo. (8/29/21) – The University of Wyoming soccer team embodies four pillars each and every day in an effort to be as successful as it can be on the pitch. It needed all four of them Sunday in match against South Dakota at the Madrid Sports Complex.
Wyoming showcased resiliency, maintained an optimistic outlook, remained competitive and had energy against the Coyotes. That concoction resulted in a 2-1 victory, pushing the Cowgirls to 3-0-0 on the season.
"They showed all four pillars today," head coach Colleen Corbin said. "Winning is hard. I don't care where you are. So for us to weather that early goal from South Dakota, embrace a little adversity and still come out with a 'W' is huge."
Resiliency is the first pillar, and it was the first thing Wyoming needed early in Sunday's match. South Dakota – which had struggled to score during the early stages of this season – tallied a second-minute goal to stake itself to an advantage.
The deficit was met with optimism and competitiveness, as the Cowgirls dominated the second portion of the first half. The offensive pressure fruited two goals, vaulting Wyoming ahead before halftime.
"We want it to be really hard to come to Laramie and play us," Corbin said. "So part of it was setting a tone physically and understating we have a level of respect for our home, and we aren't going to get pushed off the field."
Sophomore forward Nikayla Copenhaver netted the equalizer in the 27th minute. It marked her first goal of the season and the fifth different Cowgirl to score in the fall.
Just over seven minutes later, fellow sophomore forward Alyssa Bedard, scored the go-ahead goal in the 33rd minute. Wyoming's leader in shots found the back of the net for the first time this season, representing the sixth different Cowgirl to score in the fall.
In addition to her goal, Bedard added two more shots on frame and Copenhaver fired another shot, as well. Freshmen forward Maddi Chance recorded three shots, one of which was on target, while freshman Liv Stutzman owned the other shot for Wyoming.
The fourth and final pillar of energy was on full display in the final 45 minutes of Sunday's match. Wyoming staved off numerous scoring chances from South Dakota to preserve the win.
"I'm very proud that we were able to weather that kind of storm with that kind of pressure with that kind of physicality from South Dakota who is strong, physical and fast," Corbin said. "Defending, it starts with our front line. I need our forwards to do as much work to keep the ball on (the offensive) side of the field to prevent our backs from running eight miles a game.
"It was a total team effort."
The Coyotes logged 11 shots in all, but just one was on frame. Wyoming redshirt junior goalkeeper Alex Daws, while she didn't register any saves, made per presence felt with heady plays and punch outs that diffused scoring chances.
The Cowgirls take to the road for the first time during the regular season. They travel to North Dakota State on Thursday before road games at Minnesota and St. Thomas.
