FORT COLLINS, Colorado (9/17/26) – It wasn't pretty or flawless, but a battle. And that's what the Border War is supposed to be, and that's exactly how the University of Wyoming soccer team wanted it.

The Cowgirls grinded out a 1-0 victory over Colorado State on Thursday at the CSU Soccer Field. The win improves the Pokes to 7-2-0 on the season, while the loss drops the Rams to 1-6-1 on the year.

"You need these games to see how you need to prepare for conference to see what it takes to grind games out," head coach Josh Purdum said. "We haven't had too many tight games from a statistical standpoint, and at the end of the day that game could have gone either way. To do that on the road and to do that for a fourth road game in a row on the road is a testament to the group's mindset."

Lauren Westwood's goal was the difference. She found the back of the net during the 18th minute off a corner kick from Maddie Burr. It's Westwood's first-career goal as a Cowgirl, and she represents the ninth different Wyoming player who has scored this season.

Cowgirls' goalkeeper, Haley Bartel, turned away six shots for her fifth clean sheet of the season. It's also her 23rd career shutout, which is four clear of the previous program record.

Bartel's six saves were the second most she's had to make in a single game this season. That's because for just the second time in 2026, the Cowgirls were out shot, 19-15. Alyssa Glover, Isabel Vasco and Reese Gould led the way for Wyoming with three shots apiece. 

Speaking of program records. The 7-2-0 non-conference performance is the best in school history from a win percentage standpoint. Also, it's just the second time a Wyoming team has ever won four straight road matches, the first time since 2009.

The Pokes will remain on the road to open Mountain West Conference play. They travel to Nevada on Sept. 24 for a 7 p.m. match at Mackay Stadium.