Soccer Concludes 2024 Home Slate with Matches versus San Diego State and New Mexico
LARAMIE, Wyoming (10/22/24) – The University of Wyoming soccer team closes out its 2024 home slate this week. The Cowgirls host San Diego State on Thursday at 3 p.m. before playing New Mexico on Sunday at 1 p.m. Both games are scheduled to be held at the Madrid Sports Complex.
With just three games remaining, much of the focus turns to the Mountain West Conference standings. The top six teams advance to the conference tournament and all three teams in Laramie this week are in the mix for those coveted spots.
Wyoming is currently eighth at 4-6-6 overall and 2-3-3 (9 points) in league play. The Aztecs are fifth at 6-7-3 and 4-2-2 (14 points), while the Lobos are sixth at 7-4-4 and 3-3-2 (11 points).
“We still have an opportunity to make the tournament and finish near the top of the table,” head coach Josh Purdum said. “But mathematically, we can still finish last. That’s how crazy this league is.”
The Cowgirls have exemplified that craziness this season. They defeated No. 11 Utah State – the Aggies only loss this year – and duplicating an effort like that is the goal with only three matches left.
“The most important thing for us is playing as the best version of ourselves,” Purdum said. “When we are solid defensively, we’ve beaten some good teams. We’ve also been able to score goals. We’ve shown both of those things at times this season. We just need to be consistent.”
Alyssa Bedard leads Wyoming offensively with five goals and a pair of assists for 12 points. Maddi Chance and Hadley Linder aren’t too far behind with three goals apiece.
Haley Bartel has started every game in net for the Cowgirls. She’s logged 57 saves with 24 goals allowed for a GAA of 1.50. Bartel also has seven shutouts to her name.
Denise Castro has found the back of the net eight times to pace San Diego State, while six other Aztecs have scored multiple times this season. Goalkeeper Alexa Madueno has started every match and owns 78 saves with 27 goals surrendered for a GAA of 1.69.
San Diego State has dominated the all-time series with Wyoming, laying claim to a 19-7-2 lead. The Cowgirls have however won three of the last five meetings.
New Mexico – who plays at Colorado State on Thursday – is led by Presley Devey who boasts seven scores. Callie Droitsch has started every game at goalie, and she has 46 saves with 16 goals allowed for a GAA of 1.07.
The Lobos have also held the decided upper hand in the all-time series with Wyoming, holding a 20-9-7 advantage. The last two matchups between the squads ended in a draw.
Following the final two home matches, the Cowgirls wrap up the 2024 regular season at Colorado State. That match is set for Oct. 31 at CSU Soccer Stadium at 4 p.m.