An early second half goal by freshman Sekoya Romero proved to be the game winner in the Wyoming soccer team’s 2-1 victory over the Idaho State Bengals on Thursday afternoon. 

Wyoming (3-0-1) pushed the pace out of the gate with an early shot by freshman Amber Vokoun that was saved by Laule’a Phillips. The Bengals (0-3-3) responded with two quick chances from Makena Bambei. With 15:20 on the clock, senior Alyssa Murray couldn’t control a header, but Vokoun would tap the ball in to the back of the net to give the Cowgirls the early lead. It was the second goal of her career.  Over the next several minutes, Wyoming had a flurry of scoring opportunities with three different Cowgirls taking shots, but couldn’t get one to connect. UW’s defense really clamped down and went in to the locker room up 1-0. UW outshot Idaho State 11-4 in the first half and had four corner kicks.

In the second half, the Cowgirls continued to be the aggressor and it would pay off. With 48:40 on the clock, a cross shot wasn’t cleared and freshman Sekoya Romero connected from five yards out on the right side. It was the first career goal for Romero. Senior Jessie Gentle had her first assist of the season and fifth of her career. The two teams played virtually even over the next 30 minutes of the match until the 81:07 mark. The Bengals would get on the board with a goal from Delaney Johnston with assists from Bambei and Lauren McGahie. Despite being outshot 14-8 in the second half, Wyoming would hold on to the 2-1 victory.  

“I was really proud of the effort today,” head coach Pete Cuadrado said. “I think we really cleaned things up in front of the net especially to score two goals. We put up a good fight and really stepped it up. We played some good soccer and it was a total team effort. It will be a tough week with three matches, but we will get back at it and continue to get better game by game. This game was a good step in the right direction.”   

Vokoun led all Cowgirls with a team-high four shots with two of them on goal. Senior Annika Clayton and freshman Indianna Asimus each had three each. Gentle and Murray each had one assist, while senior Taylor Burton logged 90 minutes. Wyoming outshot the Bengals, 19-18, and six total corner kicks. Senior Christina Salazar had two saves in goal and freshman Hannah Lee had seven saves in her first action of the season. 

The Cowgirls will remain on the road next time out with a match-up with the Northern Colorado Bears.  Kick-off is set for 7:00 p.m. MT in Greeley. The squad will then return home to the friendly confines of the Louis S. Madrid for a pair of non-conference match-ups. UW will host Montana on Friday, Sept. 7 at 4 p.m. followed by a Sunday game against Big 10 foe Iowa. That game is scheduled for 12 p.m. 

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