UW soccer tallies late goal against Spartans
Oct. 6—The University of Wyoming women's soccer team put consistent pressure on San Jose State for a majority of Thursday's match in California, making a goal essentially imminent.
Keelie Wortmann provided the late fireworks off a cross from Alyssa Glover. The 89th-minute goal gave the game its final 1-0 tally and the Cowgirls a much-needed three points.
"Our game plan coming in — the only thing we talked about — was choosing joy, believing in one another, staying together and just being each other's biggest hype-lady, no matter what the game brought," UW coach Colleen Corbin said. "The energy tonight was incredible. I'm super proud of the girls. They leaned in and believed in the foundation of our team and our culture, which is joy, love, belief and trust."
The win propelled Wyoming to 5-5-3 overall and 1-4-0 (3 points) in Mountain West. The loss dropped SJSU to 3-5-5 and 1-2-2 (5 points).
The Cowgirls got after the Spartans early, and that led to a slight 9-8 edge in shots after 45 minutes. UW increased its aggressiveness in the second half following Kiana Miyazato's red card in the 51st minute that put SJSU down a player for the rest of the game.
UW doubled up SJSU 8-4 in shots in the second half, and the last one found the back of the net.
The aforementioned red card was a microcosm of the physical nature of the entire game. Seven cards were issued — six during the second half — in what was a rematch of last year's MW tournament title match.
Lost in the euphoric theatrics of Wortmann's late score was the play of goalkeeper Miyuki Schoyen. She carded a clean game for UW, making five saves for her third shutout of the season. SJSU goalkeeper Bente Pernot logged three saves.
Jamie Tatum and Maddi Chance led UW in shots with four apiece. Glover added three shots and Alyssa Bedard managed two.
The Cowgirls finish up their road swing against Fresno State at 1 p.m. Sunday inside the Bulldog Soccer Stadium.
