UW Soccer Celebrates Seniors With Lopsided Win Over Coyotes

* University of Wyoming press release

LARAMIE -- The University of Wyoming soccer team celebrated its seniors Sunday at the Madrid Sports Complex. But it was the young ones that shined against South Dakota.

Each one of the four goals scored – in a 4-0 victory – were done so by either a freshman or a sophomore. The win pushes Wyoming to 2-2-2 overall, while the Coyotes fall to 2-5-2 on the year.

“The task at hand was to show we were balanced going forward, and we were certainly able to show that,” head coach Josh Purdum said. “Shoutout to the younger players for stepping up for the seniors and because of the seniors, as well, we had a good result.”

Another one of the younger student-athletes boasted her third shutout of the season and the fourth of her career. Haley Bartel didn’t have to make a save but was strong in net, yet again, for the Cowgirls.

Hadley Linder opened the scoring during the 39th minute. It was an all-freshman connection, as she scored off a set piece from Maddie Burr.

Senior Alyssa Bedard didn’t score early in the second half, but she had perhaps the most impactful play of the game. She broke free and Janaina Zanin pulled her to the grass to prevent a golden scoring opportunity and was given a red card, making the Coyotes play with 10 for the final 40 minutes.

The Cowgirls finally opened the game up in the final 10 minutes. Their offensive pressure forced a South Dakota own goal in the 82nd minute.

Sophomore Alisa Bunn then took over. She netted goals in the 88th and 90th minutes for the first two scores of her career. It also marked the third straight game with a brace from a different Cowgirl, which is the first time that’s happened in program history.

Bunn’s first goal was assisted by Kylee (Bliss) Quilici Quain. Her second goal was off passes from Linder and Bella Russell.

Wyoming led in the shots department Sunday, 21-6. South Dakota goalkeeper, Cambell Fischer, made four saves.

The Cowgirls remain at home for their final 2024 non-conference match at the Madrid Sports Complex. They host Oregon State on Thursday at 4 p.m.