Cowgirl soccer falls to SDSU

Richard Anderson photo
Wyoming junior Nicole Rice, 19, tries to move the ball against San Diego State on Thursday.

The University of Wyoming Cowgirl soccer team lost its first conference game of the season on Thursday afternoon, 2-0 to San Diego State at the Louis S. Madrid Sports Complex. The loss breaks a five game winning streak for the Cowgirls.

Wyoming is now 9-5-2 overall and 3-1 in the Mountain West Conference. San Diego State wins their first MWC contest and are 1-0-2 in league play and 8-3-5 overall.

"Give all the credit to San Diego State, they deserve the result," said UW head coach Danny Sanchez. "However, it was a disappointing loss. We needed to play with more energy and confidence and none of those things happened today."

SDSU held the advantage in the first half and out shot the Cowgirls 5-3. Freshman goalkeeper Courtney Merkle made three first half saves to keep the game scoreless at halftime.

The Aztecs got on the board thanks to Niki Fernandes at the 54:55 mark in the second period. Fernandes crossed the ball from inside the box and was able to get it past Merkle for the 1-0 SDSU advantage.

Wyoming came back on the attack and had chances after the goal, but were unable to tie the game. UW’s last chance came on a corner kick taken by senior Emma Wilson. The pass was unable to find a Cowgirl and the Aztecs were able to clear.

Fernandes also assisted on a goal in the final minutes of the game for SDSU. Fernandes found Cat Walker who was alone in the box and scored her sixth goal of the season.

For the Cowgirls Wilson, Mara Cosgrove, and Nicole Rice led the team with two shots each. Merkle made seven total saves.

"We will regroup and focus for our next game," said Sanchez. "Fortunately for us, when you play like we did today, you want another game soon and we get that on Saturday."

Wyoming will enjoy another home game this weekend on Saturday as it hosts UNLV. The Rebels and Cowgirls kick off at noon at the Louis S. Madrid Sports Complex.