Cowgirl soccer blanks Western Michigan

UW freshman Carmen Blume

by UW Media Relations

Freshman Carmen Blume scored an early goal to give the Cowgirls the 1-0 win on Sunday afternoon over Western Michigan at the Louis S. Madrid Sports Complex. Blume’s goal proved to be the game winner and the first goal of her Wyoming career.

Wyoming advances to 2-1 overall with the win while Western Michigan falls to 0-2.

“I was very pleased with the backs limiting the chances for Western Michigan,” said UW head coach Danny Sanchez. “It appeared both teams were starting to get heavy legs towards the end, but we got the early goal to give us two shut out wins this weekend.”

Blume’s goal came at the 21 minute, 28-second mark after senior Emma Wilson cleared the ball ahead. Blume was able to track down the ball in front of the WMU defenders and lift the ball over goalkeeper Julia Francy to give UW the 1-0 lead. The Cowgirls added more chances in the first half by taking five shots on goal.

In the second half, the Cowgirl defense was strong and made some key plays. Senior Emily Layton blocked a Bronco shot that saved a goal and freshman goalkeeper Courtney Merkle made a diving save at the 29:32 mark to keep the shut out intact. Merkle had three saves in the game, while Francy made 10.

Wyoming took 15 shots total, while Western Michigan took 10 for the game. After two straight home games, the Cowgirls will be on the road next weekend, Friday in Orem, Utah, (4 p.m.) against Utah Valley State and Sunday in Ogden, Utah, against Utah State (1 p.m.)