A Promising Start on the Defensive End
Wyoming's women's soccer team has burst onto the 2026 scene with a 2-0 record, underpinned by a defense that has already forced two clean sheets. Goalkeeper Haley Bartel, the reigning conference defensive player of the week, has been the cornerstone of that success, posting shutouts against Drake and Northern Colorado and surpassing former record‑holder Ashley Sheppard for the most career blankings.
The offensive side of the equation has also shown depth, with four goals spread among Alyssa Glover, Brooke Brown, Reese Gould and Maddie Burr. Glover, who once needed 13 matches to reach double‑digit goals, has already contributed heavily in the early going, while Isabel Vasco has added an assist, highlighting the team's balanced attack.
Next up, Wyoming will test that defensive foundation against Weber State, a program that entered the season as preseason favorites to win the Big Sky Conference and currently sits at 0-1-1 after a 0-0 draw with Utah and a 4-1 loss to Boise State. The match is scheduled for Thursday at 4 p.m. at the Madrid Sports Complex, a venue that will also host the community‑focused 'Pups at the Pitch' night, encouraging fans to bring their dogs for free Wyoming‑themed giveaways.
After the Weber State contest, the team will enjoy a week off before reconvening to host South Carolina on August 27, a marquee matchup that promises to draw additional attention to the Madrid Sports Complex. Coach Josh Purdum has emphasized the squad's adaptability, noting that the upcoming schedule offers a valuable chance to fine‑tune strategies ahead of a demanding stretch.