The Wyoming Cowgirl soccer program is set to begin its 2026 campaign with a much‑anticipated opener against the Drake Bulldogs in Laramie, Wyoming, scheduled for Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m.
Weather Woes and Venue Contingencies
Forecast models predict a high probability of rain and isolated thunderstorms, prompting officials to consider a move to the Indoor Practice Facility if conditions deteriorate. Nonetheless, the Madrid Sports Complex remains the primary venue designated for the contest.
Wyoming’s recent form offers a promising backdrop. The Cowgirls concluded the 2025 season with a 7‑6‑6 overall record and a 2‑4‑4 mark in conference play, a campaign highlighted by the return of key attackers Alisa Bunn and Alyssa Glover, alongside midfielder Kiley Ballek and goalkeeper Haley Bartel. Bunn’s lone goal in a recent exhibition against Denver underscored the squad’s emphasis on mindset and mentality as they head into the new season.
Bartel’s performance was particularly noteworthy, posting eight shutouts and a league‑best goals‑against average of 0.89, while Glover led the conference with eleven goals last year. The quartet of Bunn, Glover, Ballek and Bartel anchors a roster that blends Division I talent, JUCO transfers, freshmen and reserve players seeking to contribute to the team’s depth.
Opponent Profile: The Drake Bulldogs
Drake enters the match with a 9‑6‑4 overall record and a 6‑2‑1 conference slate from the previous season, having captured the league’s regular‑season crown before falling in the tournament final. The Bulldogs and Cowgirls played to a 1‑1 draw in their 2024 regular‑season opener in Des Moines, and Wyoming holds a 3‑1‑2 edge in the all‑time series, including a 1‑0‑1 record in Laramie.
The upcoming contest is more than a season opener; it is an early test of both squads’ credentials in a conference that figures to be tightly contested. For Wyoming, a win would reinforce its preseason expectation of capturing the Missouri Valley title, while Drake aims to build momentum after a strong finish.
Looking Ahead
Following the Laramie showdown, the Cowgirls are slated to travel to Greeley for a Sunday night clash with Northern Colorado before returning home to host Weber State on August 20 at 4 p.m. at the Madrid Sports Complex, continuing a schedule that blends regional rivalries with non‑conference fixtures.