Soccer Upsets No. 3 BYU in Exhibition Game
PROVO, Utah (8/9/24) – The University of Wyoming soccer team kicked off its 2024 season Friday night at BYU. It was an exhibition game at South Field, and the Cowgirls’ focus was on themselves and improvement ahead of their regular-season opener next week.
In the process of accomplishing that, Wyoming also sprung a 1-0 upset of the No. 3 Cougars in Josh Purdum’s first-career game as a head coach.
“It has been a quick turnaround with things we’ve been implementing, and there’s no way we’d be able to do what we are doing without the trust in these girls and the belief they have in themselves,” Purdum said. “They are showing really quick how much belief is in this team, and that’s exciting. Now they’ve set the standard. They’ve shown they can win on the road in a hostile environment and put a complete game together.”
Wyoming’s score couldn’t have been more celebrated. Gabby Clutter, a senior who has seen limited action during her career, tapped in a shot off a pass from Kiley Ballek in the 35th minute, which gave the game its lone goal.
“She’s a leader through and through, and when she steps on the field, she plays with nothing but joy,” Purdum said. “For her to come out and do that in Provo is unbelievable. I’m so thrilled for her, and I know the team is thrilled for her too.”
Goalkeeper Haley Bartel made it stand up with tremendous play in net. She turned away nine shots, plenty of which made her leave her feet, en route to a shutout.
“She had a big crowd behind her on both goals, and for her to shut that out, and for her to come out clean in every decision, is huge,” Purdum said. “I hope she feels like she’s on top of the world because she deserves it.”
Wyoming fired 13 shots in all, as Hadley Linder, Alyssa Bedard and Jazi Barela had two apiece. BYU managed 15 shots.
As stated, the Cowgirls open the regular season next week. They travel to Washington on Thursday for an 8 pm. contest at Husky Soccer Stadium.