Cowgirls Fall to UNLV in Overtime, 3-2

O’Reilly Becomes Assists Leader as Paul Records Two Goals for Wyoming

LARAMIE, Wyo. (Oct. 27, 2013) – The University of Wyoming women’s soccer team dropped a 3-2 decision to UNLV on Sunday afternoon at the Louis S. Madrid Sports Complex. Junior forward Sara Paul scored twice to lead the Cowgirls. Senior midfielder Liz O’Reilly recorded her 24th assist of her career to become the all-time assist leader for the Cowgirls. A mishandled ball in front of the goal was what ultimately doomed UW, as UNLV freshman forward Miranda Rawlings was able to score the game-winner for the Rebels in the 91st minute.

On Senior Day, Wyoming (7-9-3, 4-3-2 MW) and UNLV (9-8-2, 4-5 MW) both battled for ball control during the first half. A physical match from the beginning for both teams, each defense smothered most chances the opposing teams had and limited each to single digit shot attempts. During the first 45 minutes, the Cowgirls totaled three shots, as UNLV recorded five. Junior defender Hayley Charlton and senior forward Lucie McDowell lead UW with the three shots between the two. UNLV scored the lone goal of the first half in the 42nd minute, as freshman forward Hayley Wilson kicked the ball just over the top of junior goalkeeper Alex Boehm to give the Rebels a 1-0 lead into halftime.

The second half started much like the first half with both teams battling for possession. Wyoming came away with the advantage in shots, 10-5 and corner kicks 3-1. Paul scored her first goal of the afternoon after a throw in for Wyoming. O’Reilly headed the ball in Paul’s direction who then took off on a breakaway and past UNLV defenders before pushing the ball into the right corner of the net and past the Rebel’s senior goalkeeper Kylie Wassell. With the assist, O’Reilly became the all-time assist leader for Wyoming. She now has 24 for her career, one more than Paul.

The scored remained tied 1-1 until an own goal was scored from the Wyoming defense to give the Rebels a 2-1 lead with about 15 minutes remaining in regulation. Shortly after, an indirect free kick was awarded to the Cowgirls after a miscue from Wassell. About 15 yards out, Paul lined up for the kick and shot it past Wassell for her second score of the match. Paul became the third Cowgirl to score twice in one match this season. Junior Loren Mahoney scored twice against San Diego State on Oct. 13, and McDowell recorded two goals against Drake on Sept. 9

Heading into overtime, the Cowgirls led in shots, 13-10, as well as corner kicks, 4-3. The Rebels took the only shot in overtime as Rawlings’ goal was her first of the season and helped UNLV to its first MW road win. Paul and McDowell led UW with four shots on the day. Wassell recorded five saves compared to two for Boehm, both of which came in the second period.

Wyoming will return to MW action for its final regular-season match on Friday by traveling to Air Force. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. MT. The Cowgirls will then take a few days off before competing in the Mountain West Tournament next week in Albuquerque, N.M. 

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