Soccer Commences 2024 Season with 0-0 Draw at Washington
SEATTLE, Washington (8/15/24) – The University of Wyoming soccer team opened the 2024 regular season Thursday. The Cowgirls battled Washington to a 0-0 draw at Husky Stadium.
“This was another quality road opponent that tested us,” head coach Josh Purdum said. “They were very physical, well sized and very athletic. They tested our backline right off the bat.”
The result gives Wyoming an 0-0-1 beginning to the Purdum Era. And even though the Cowgirls failed to score, they weren’t devoid of chances.
The two teams matched one another with 15 shots. The majority of those – a total of 19 – occurred during the second 45 minutes.
“What I’m most pleased with is how we didn’t really lose focus on what we were trying to do,” Purdum said. “We made some adjustments in the second half, played more like ourselves, and that created a more threatening presence against them. They had to adjust against us, which is a good feeling.”
Wyoming’s Alyssa Glover owned one of the game’s prime scoring opportunities in the final 10 minutes, but her shot sailed just high. Maddi Chance drove a couple balls into a dangerous spot, thereafter, but neither cross found the foot it needed.
Chance ended the contest with a team-high four shots, half of which were on target. Glover had three shots, and one was on frame, while Hadley Linder and Jazi Barela each chipped in two shots and one apiece tested Washington goalkeeper Olivia Juarez.
Wyoming goalkeeper Haley Bartel logged a shutout, the second of the sophomore’s career. Taking into account the exhibition last week at BYU, and Bartel has now boasted 180 straight minutes of scoreless soccer.
“For Haley and the backline to play 90 minutes against that team and keep them off the board is fantastic,” Purdum said.
Bartel completed the game with four saves. Juarez managed to turn away six shots for the Huskies.
Washington’s Tatum Thomason recorded a game-high five shots. Two of those were on frame.
The Cowgirls have now earned a tie against their last two power-four foes. They drew, 2-2, at Louisville last season.
Wyoming remains on the road next week. It travels to Colorado on Aug. 22 for a 7 p.m. match at Prentup Field.