LARAMIE, Wyo. (9/16/21) – The University of Wyoming soccer team lost for the first time this season at the Madrid Sports Complex. The Cowgirls dropped a 3-1 decision to Northern Colorado on Thursday, falling to 4-3-1 on the season, while the Bears improved to 2-5-2.  

It certainly wasn't the end result that UW desired. And while the first half was slanted in favor of UNC, the second half saw the Cowgirls create opportunities and capitalize.  

Sophomore defender Jazi Barela cashed in off a corner kick from sophomore forward Nikayla Copenhaver in the 76th minute. It marked the second consecutive game that Wyoming has taken advantage of a corner kick.   

"We've been targeting set pieces a lot, so getting to score off a corner is exciting," head coach Colleen Corbin said. "Everyone needs to believe that they're the one that's going to put the ball in the back of the net on set pieces. For Jazi to come in and strike it really well – it looked like she thought she was going to score – that's a big takeaway, for sure." 

Barela represents the eighth different Cowgirl to net a goal this season. That speaks to a deep team that can hurt opponents in many different ways with many different players.  

"We've always had a really good bench," Corbin said. "We've always been able to go to our bench when we've needed them. We are continuing to see people progress and get better, and that's a positive thing, for sure." 

Redshirt-junior midfielder Jamie Tatum and freshman forward Maddi Chance each had two shots apiece to pace the Cowgirls on Thursday. Wyoming registered 10 shots, all of which occurred in the final 45 minutes. 

Northern Colorado laid claim to 18 shots, and Lexi Pulley had the first one that found the back of the net. She recorded a goal in the 11th minute that gave the Bears an early advantage.  
Melina Faris scored the second goal in the 18th minute. Lauren Woodhull had the final Bears' score in the 30th minute.  

Redshirt-junior goalkeeper Alex Daws made 10 saves – her second-highest total this season – for Wyoming. Morgan Bury logged three saves for UNC.  

Wyoming takes to the road and opens Mountain West Conference play next week. The Cowgirls travel to preseason-favorite New Mexico on Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m.