Ballek’s Heroics Earn Soccer a Point in a 1-1 Draw at Air Force
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (9/29/24) – The University of Wyoming soccer team utilized all 90 minutes to earn a 1-1 draw at Air Force on Sunday. Kiley Ballek netted her first-career goal with less than a minute to play, which gave the Cowgirls a point at Cadet Soccer Stadium.
“Not too many times this season have we been a goal down and had to fight back, especially that late,” head coach Josh Purdum said. “It was a great response (after Air Force took the lead), and the response you’re looking for. To earn the draw is huge for this group. They definitely deserved it.”
The result moves Wyoming to 2-4-4 overall and 0-1-1 (1 point) in Mountain West Conference play. Air Force’s record pushes to 4-3-2 on the year and 0-1-1 (1 point) in league action.
Wyoming trailed for a majority of the second half after an unfortunate hand ball in the box gave the Falcons a golden scoring opportunity during the 53rd minute. Chase Borntreger took advantage, cashing in on the penalty kick.
The Cowgirls forced the issue in the final 35-plus minutes of the contest. They ended up outshooting the Falcons, 13-6, in the second half, and the final two resulted in the equalizer.
Raegan Richardson fired the first shot that Air Force keeper, Kylie McElroy, couldn’t corral completely. It rebounded to Ballek who deposited it in the back of the net with just over 50 seconds remaining.
“We are a fit group,” Purdum said. “We are starting to find our legs late in games. We are realizing we can continue to press teams. And we did that today.”
Wyoming ended the game with a 19-12 advantage in shots. Alyssa Bedard led the way with six, while Ballek and Erin Dahl had three shots apiece.
Haley Bartel made four saves, and the only shot that bested her was a penalty kick. McElroy finished having turned away five shots.
The Cowgirls return to Laramie for their longest homestand of the season. They host Fresno State, the first of four straight home matches, on Thursday at 4 p.m. at the Madrid Sports Complex.
-WYO-
Bud Denega
Assistant Director, Media Relations (Men's Golf, Soccer, Wrestling)
University of Wyoming