Soccer Opens Season with 1-1 Draw at Drake
Courtesy Photo
DES MOINES, Iowa (8/14/25) – The University of Wyoming soccer team began its 2025 season Thursday at Drake. The Cowgirls and Bulldogs played to a 1-1 draw inside Mediacom Stadium.
“It ended up being a really intense game,” head coach Josh Purdum said. “We wanted to make sure they didn’t find their best players throughout the game, and by denying them their strength, we were able to find some offense for ourselves.”
Kiley Ballek provided the score for the Pokes. She netted her third-career goal in the 73rd minute, scoring off a set piece by cleaning up a loose ball in front of the net that ricocheted off a Drake defender before finding the back of the net.
Ballek accounted for a lot of the offense Thursday night. She managed three of Wyoming’s nine shots. Eliza-Grace Smith also had multiple shots with two, and four other players logged one apiece.
“(Kiley’s) anticipation, she’s really grown in that regard,” Purdum said. “She’s quicker, and she’s controlling the game. But really, it’s her anticipation that’s improved the most, and that’s why she looks even more explosive and why she was able to create some dangerous chances.”
The Cowgirls outshot the Bulldogs, 9-5, and seven of those nine shots occurred in the final 45 minutes. In the end, however, only two of the Pokes’ shots were on target, while three of Drake’s were on frame.
“In the second half, we started to press forward and dictate the tempo more,” Purdum said. “By doing that, we were able to create even more scoring opportunities.”
The Bulldogs’ lone goal came off the foot of Eve Blakey. She scored in the 52nd minute, staking Drake to the early edge.
Haley Bartel wasn’t too busy in net for Wyoming, making two saves. Drake split its goalkeeping duties between Kate Hopma and Addie Ford. The two combined for one save, and it was credited to Hopma.
The Cowgirls have a week off before their next competition. They open the 2025 home slate on Aug. 21 against Northern Colorado at 4 p.m. inside the Madrid Sports Complex.