LARAMIE, Wyoming (10/1/24) – The University of Wyoming soccer team begins its longest homestand of the season this week. The Cowgirls host Fresno State on Thursday at 4 p.m. at the Madrid Sports Complex before battling San Jose State at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
Wyoming sits at 2-4-4 overall and 0-1-1 (1 point) in Mountain West Conference play. It rallied for a big point on the road at Air Force this past Sunday, tying the Falcons, 1-1, in what was one the most complete performances of the season.
The task going forward is to duplicate most of the elements of the match at the Academy. Head coach Josh Purdum wants the offensive pressure they displayed against the Falcons and the defensive effort that was present.
"We are just trying to put together a full 90 minutes," Purdum said. "We know the belief is there. We are creating enough chances to win games we just have to see it through."
If not for a handball in the box Sunday, the Cowgirls would have recorded their fifth shutout of the season. They had four all of last season.
"We know Thursday we have to start fast and defend well," Purdum said. "When we defend well, we are our best selves. When we defend well for 90 minutes, we always give ourselves a chance."
Goalkeeper,
Haley Bartel, is a big reason for that defensive success. She's started every game in net and has made 39 saves with 16 goals allowed for a GAA of 1.60.
Alyssa Bedard leads the offensive charge with three goals, however, she hasn't found the back of the net since a brace at Northern Colorado.
Hadley Linder,
Alisa Bunn and
Maddi Chance have each scored twice.
Fresno State is 5-3-2 overall and 0-1-1 (1 point) in league action. The Bulldogs have struggled offensively in conference, as they're scoreless through two league games.
Ciara Wilson, Kaelyn Miller and Sam Paepen each have two goals to their name in 2024. Shivani Battaglia has started six of the Bulldogs' 10 matches in goal and has 19 saves with four goals surrendered for a GAA of 0.67, which is tops in the conference.
Fresno State holds a slight 5-4-3 edge in the all-time series with Wyoming. The Bulldogs have won three of the last four matchups, however, the Cowgirls took the last meeting in Laramie, 2-1.
San Jose State is 0-7-3 overall and 0-1-1 (1 point) in league with a Thursday night game at Colorado State. Bella Flocchini represents the only Spartan who's got multiple goals this season with two. Three different goalkeepers have started a game for San Jose State this season.
Following the contest with the Spartans, Wyoming remains at home for two more the following week. The Cowgirls host No. 12 Utah State on Oct. 10 before a match with Boise State on Oct. 13.
