LARAMIE, Wyo. (8/20/23) – The University of Wyoming soccer team struggled last season in the early stages of games. Whether it was giving up a goal or simply being on the defensive in the opening moments, the Cowgirls rarely began matches strong.
That wasn't the case Sunday at the Madrid Sports Complex. Wyoming netted a first minute goal – 45 seconds in, to be exact – and rode that to a 1-0 victory over Weber State.
"It's definitely exciting to see us scoring goals early," head coach Colleen Corbin said. "That's something we struggled with last season. It was nice to play off our front foot, so the fact that we scored and protected a lead, instead of having to get one back, was nice."
Jazi Barela accounted for the score.
Alyssa Glover and
Maddi Chance helped to make the early goal happen.
"Jazi being clinical in that moment shows a lot of maturity," Corbin said. "G and Maddi, they created a lot of movement. Those three created that goal for themselves, and that's great to see."
Chance has now played a role in both scores on the season. She netted the Cowgirls' first goal Thursday against Colorado School of Mines and was credited with the assist Sunday.
Chance has exemplified strong play dating back to last season. She's accounted for an assist or a goal in four of her last six contests.
"It's a maturity thing and an understanding of her rotations and where she needs to be and when she needs to be there," Corbin said. "She wants to be dangerous. She wants to be somebody that people are paying attention to. And the same goes for Jazi and G."
Speaking of stout play of late,
Miyuki Schoyen fits that description. She logged her fourth shutout of the last five games with a trio of saves Sunday.
"Miyuki was so good today," Corbin said. "Her communication was so much better. She made some big saves for us.
Taylor Brook,
Keelie Wortmann and
Rae Gerking – all those that played center back – managed the game really well."
Weber State goalkeeper, Tayiah Lambert, recorded six saves. Wyoming peppered her with 14 shots – compared to the Wildcats' 10 – as Barela, Glover and
Jamie Tatum each had three shots apiece.
The win improves the Cowgirls to 1-0-1 on the season. The loss drops the Wildcats to 0-2-0 on the year.
Wyoming takes to the road for the first time this upcoming week. The Cowgirls travel to South Dakota on Thursday before playing at Omaha on Sunday.
