by staff–23 Aug ’19
The Wyoming women’s soccer team (0-0-1 overall) opened up the 2019 campaign with a 2-2 draw against the UTEP Miners (0-0-1 overall) on Thursday night in El Paso. The match got underway about an hour after the scheduled time due to weather.
It took both teams a while to get the feel of the game until each got shots on goal at the 10:57 and 11:39 marks. Sophomore Indianna Asimus had her shot saved by Emily Parrott, while Lauren Crenshaw’s shot was blocked. A flurry of opportunities by the Cowgirls came up empty until a shot buried into the lower left corner by freshman Jamie Tatum put Wyoming up 1-0 in the 23rd minute. It was the first career goal for Tatum. Not to be outdone, the Miners answered with 23:31 on the clock with a header from Danielle Carreon. Tessa Carlin would have the assist. The teams combined for three shots the rest of the half as it was 1-1 headed in to the locker room. The Cowgirls had six shots compared to five by UTEP.
Out of the break, the Miners seemed to push the pace toward the goal. They would get three shots off in the first 20 minutes. Wyoming had its first chance with 68:20 on the clock with a look by freshman Tori Parker that was blocked. Asimus put the Cowgirls up in the 76th minute off a free kick that snuck around the wall and pushed it passed the goalkeeper to make it 2-1. UTEP quickly responded with 79:14 on the clock with a goal by Crenshaw to even it up. Despite being outshot 7-2 in the second half, UW would head to extra time with the Miners.
It was a fairly quiet ten minutes in the first overtime. Wyoming had one chance from Asimus which was saved by Parrott. UTEP had a couple looks as well, but neither were successful. A little more action in the second overtime for each team. Tatum had two good looks at the goal but came up empty with saves by Parrott, while Crenshaw and Nicole Pugsley had opportunities to put the Miners ahead. The game would end in a 2-2 tie after 110 minutes.
“I thought the effort was really good today, especially playing 110 minutes with a thin squad,” head coach Pete Cuadrado said. “It was good to see with so many new faces. We would have loved to come away with a victory but to take a young team on the road, get some experience and come away with a draw is a step in the right direction. We did a good job of making adjustments throughout the game and need to clean a few things up. It was really good to play a quality and well-coached team for 110 minutes which is something we can build upon. Right now, we will focus on the next step which is New Mexico State on Sunday.”
Asimus and Tatum finished the match with a team-high three shots on goal, while freshman Sydney Miller recorded two. Sophomore Savannah Warner and freshman Keelie Wortmann each logged 110 minutes a piece. Goalie Hannah Lee had four shots saved on 17 shots in 110 minutes of action. UTEP outshot the Cowgirls 17-11 and goalie Parrott had four saves as well.
The Cowgirls will continue play on the road Sunday against the New Mexico State Aggies. The match is set for 12 p.m. at the New Mexico State Soccer Complex in Las Cruces, N.M.
