by staff–10 Aug ’18
The Wyoming women’s soccer team dropped its exhibition game, 2-0, against the UCF Knights, on Thursday at the UCF Soccer Complex. The Knights came in to the contest ranked 16th in the preseason United Soccer Coaches Poll.
The match consisted of three 30 minute periods and started about 90 minutes after originally scheduled due to inclement weather. Neither team could get anything going until the 20 minute mark with a shot by Lauren Nemeroff was sent on goal, but was saved by junior Cristina Salazar. The Cowgirls first shot on goal came at the 28:20 mark by junior Michaela Stark which sailed wide.
It continued to remain scoreless until Asia Ervin fired off a pass to Konya Plummer who found the back of the net to put the Knights up 1-0. Freshman Indianna Asimus tried for the equalizer shortly after with the Cowgirls only shot of the period but it was saved by Caroline DeLisle. Less than five minutes later, UCF found the goal again as Darya Rajaee connected with Mathilde Kack to double the lead, 2-0.
In the final 30 minutes, the Knights stayed aggressive and outshot Wyoming 11-1 including three shots on goal. Unfortunately, the Cowgirls couldn’t get anything going and would suffer the 2-0 loss.
“Playing against a team so highly ranked, it was a great game for us to get out there and see what we need to get better at,” head coach Pete Cuadrado said. “It was a really good challenge for this team. I think we had three or four really good looks and we need to finish those especially against good teams. We had a few break down and talented teams will force you to do that. This was a great learning moment and I think it will help us moving forward. It will be good to get back and break things down on film and start working at some things.”
Michaela Stark recorded two shots in the game, putting on goal. Asimus and sophomore Carlee Martin recorded the other two shots for UW.
The Cowgirls will open up the regular season next Thursday against the South Dakota Coyotes. The game is set for 3 p.m. for 3 p.m. MT in Vermillion. Their home-opener is Sunday, August 19 against the Utah Valley Wolverines. Kick-off is set for 1 p.m. MT.
