Redemption on docket with USU, Boise State coming to town

* University of Wyoming press release

LARAMIE -- The University of Wyoming soccer team returns home for a pair of matches this week at the Madrid Sports Complex. The Cowgirls host Utah State on Thursday at 4 p.m. before battling Boise State on Sunday at 1 p.m.

This week’s preparation and pulse prior to the match feels very similar to last week. Wyoming entered its match against New Mexico with redemption on its mind and accomplished a good deal of that in a 1-1 draw.

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Last year, the Cowgirls didn’t compete with the Lobos – falling by a score of 4-1 – the way they wanted to, and the same can be said about this week’s foes. The Aggies and Broncos defeated Wyoming by 3-0 and 3-1 marks, respectively, in 2021, and the Cowgirls will look to right those wrongs this week.

“The way we approached training going into the New Mexico game, we definitely had a chip on our shoulder,” head coach Colleen Corbin said. “I think the team was anxious to rewrite that story, and I would expect a similar vibe this week. Playing against Utah State and Boise State last year was not our best weekend, and I think we walked away feeling we left some things unsaid.”

The things that need to be said will have to be done loudly. Utah State is the only two-win team in Mountain West Conference play thus far, while Boise State was preseason selected third and one of only two teams to receive a first-place vote.

Wyoming sits at 0-1-1 in league action, 1-4-4 overall. So, taking into account last season’s outcomes coupled with the hunger for a result, and this stands as a very impactful couple of games for the Cowgirls.

“Every point does count, and it was a bummer not to steal one point at San Diego State,” Corbin said. “Being able to play these two matches at home I think brings a rejuvenated sense of excitement because we love playing at home. We know what types of advantages there are being in Laramie, and the discomfort it brings for other teams. From that standpoint, there’s a rejuvenated sense of anticipation.”

Senior Jamie Tatum paces Wyoming with four goals this season. She’s pursued closely by junior Alyssa Bedard who has found the back of the net three times and is riding a two-game scoring streak.

Three goalkeepers have logged minutes for the Cowgirls. Senior Alex Daws played the second half against San Diego State on Sunday, while freshman Allyson Fischer and senior Miyuki Schoyen have started five and four games in net, respectively.

Utah State has enjoyed a great deal of offensive balance in 2022. Nine players have scored this season, led by London Miller and Sara Taylor who have both logged three goals apiece.

McKenzie Hunninghake has started the last three matches at goalkeeper. She owns six saves, a GAA of 0.33 and has two shutouts.

The Aggies – who currently sit at 5-2-4 overall and 2-0-0 in MW play – possess a slight lead in the all-time series with Cowgirls. They lead 9-7-2, which includes claiming a victory in each of the last two meetings.

Boise State lays claim to a 4-2-5 overall record and a 0-0-2 in league action. The Broncos have taken the last five meetings with Wyoming, bringing the all-time series to a 7-7-1 mark.

Boise State also boasts nine different goal scorers. Hayden Wilsey leads the way with seven goals scored, and that leads the MW.

Genevieve Crenshaw had started all 11 games in net for the Broncos. She has recorded 32 saves, a 0.92 GAA and has four shutouts.

Following Sunday’s match, Wyoming hits the road for four straight. The road trip begins at Nevada on Oct. 6.