ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (9/24/21) – The University of Wyoming soccer team couldn't have scripted a better start to Friday's Mountain West Conference opener at New Mexico. Unfortunately for the Cowgirls, they didn't close the game as well as they began it.

UW dropped a 4-1 decision to the Lobos. The loss drops the Cowgirls to 4-4-1 on the season and 0-1-0 in MWC play, while the victory improves New Mexico to 6-2-0 and 1-0-0 in league action.
Senior defender Savannah Warner gave Wyoming the early advantage Friday. She tallied a third-minute goal for her first score of the season. 
 
The score marked the quickest goal for UW since a second-minute goal against Nevada in 2018. Warner represents the ninth Cowgirl to net a goal this season.  
 
"It was really great to score first, and that's something we've been talking about – setting the tempo, getting on the board early, and we definitely did that," head coach Colleen Corbin said. "We definitely felt like we were on our front foot. We just need to be a little bit better about being prepared to absorb the kind of pressure that's going to come after you score."

The final 87 minutes weren't as fruitful for UW, offensively. But that doesn't mean there weren't opportunities present.

The Cowgirls out-shot the Lobos 17-13 and had six shots on target. Sophomore forward Alyssa Bedard led the way with four shots, half of which were on goal.

Warner registered three shots and had the one on frame. Senior midfielder Kennedy Schomer, junior forward Faith Joiner, redshirt-junior midfielder logged two shots apiece.

The difference in the match was the fact that New Mexico cashed in on its scoring chances. Molly Myers scored the equalizer in the 13th minute. Zaria Katesigwa recorded the go-ahead score during the 16th minute, while Myers and Jadyn Edwards tallied goals in the 24th and 42nd minutes, respectively.

Redshirt-junior goalkeeper Alex Daws started and made four saves. Senior Hannah Lee played the second half in net and recorded one save.

"Overall, really, really pleased with the effort and energy, and our ability to play soccer on the road against the defending conference champions," Corbin said. "The only thing that matters now is what happens next."

What's next is a conference home match against San Diego State. That game is set for a 1 p.m. start time at the Madrid Sports Complex.