Defending Mountain West Champs Open Season With 1-1 Draw

* University of Wyoming press release

LARAMIE -- The University of Wyoming soccer team opened its 2023 season Thursday at the Madrid Sports Complex. There were plenty of positive things that transpired and plenty of things that are in need of shoring up after the 1-1 tie with Colorado School of Mines.

“It was a good test for us,” head coach Colleen Corbin said. “(Mines) posed some problems we haven’t faced yet because it’s early. They were really organized defensively, and we have to be better about rotating and being dynamic and breaking that down.

“It’s positive overall, though, and definitely an opportunity for us to grow.”

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Wyoming took the early advantage Thursday, as a couple veterans showcased some offensive prowess. Jamie Tatum found Maddi Chance in the 21st minute to stake the Cowgirls to a 1-0 lead.

The scoring combination was something fans and the team have grown accustomed to seeing. In addition to those well-known faces, many newbies received a chance to play and showcase their skillset in a game atmosphere.

Six newcomers – five freshmen and one junior-college transfer – played throughout the contest. And they were sprinkled out all over the field from the offensive third to the midfield to the defensive backline.

“We played a lot of young players, and this is new and big, and they’re on a learning curve, but I thought they did well,” Corbin said. “We just have to be more clinical in big moments. We had some opportunities left on the table – a couple early, a couple late – and if one goes in, it’s a different game.”

The teams were level in the shots department, 9-9. Chance and Jazi Barela paced the Cowgirls with two apiece.

Miyuki Schoyen started in goal for Wyoming. She made five saves in her 90 minutes of action.

The Orediggers played a pair in net. Keira Garcia started the first half and allowed the one goal with one save, while Allie Lundgren started the second half and made a save, as well.

The Cowgirls remain at home Sunday. They play host to Weber State at 1 p.m. at the Madrid Sports Complex.