Offensive explosion powers Cowgirls to first victories of the season

Tom Hesse

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            After scoring only one goal in their first two games, the Cowgirls soccer team found the back of the net five times this weekend picking up W’s against the University at Buffalo and the University of Idaho.

            The Cowgirls opened the weekend by trouncing the Buffalo Bulls 3-0. Liz O’Reilly opened up the offensive flood gates early in the second half by finishing on a pass from Cassie Sheffield.

Katie Amsberry continued the point production with a goal from 20 yards out with a breakaway goal in the 70^th minute. The Cowgirls wrapped up their day with a late goal from forward Ellen McCormick.

"I am pleased with our effort, and the three goals we scored were all excellent finishes," head coach Danny Sanchez told Wyoming Athletics.

On Sunday, the Cowgirls brought the intensity to the net once more, netting two goals in a 2-0 victory over the Idaho Vandals.

The Cowgirls waited until after the half to make their statement on the scoreboard. Nahiomy Ortiz and Sheffield provided the offense with a goal each securing the Cowgirls weekend home stand.

            "I think all five of our defenders played really well and we were able to limit their offensive chances which was the key for us," Sanchez told Wyoming Athletics.

            The Cowgirls’ depth at goalie was on display as they started Meagan Burke against Buffalo and Courtney Merkle against Idaho. The sophomores each had one save in their games.

             Aggressive offense will once again be the key on Thursday when the Cowgirls face Colorado College in Laramie.  "We will enjoy this, but get ready for Colorado College on Thursday who is an NCAA tournament quality team,” Sanchez told Wyoming Athletics.

            The Cowgirls will kick off against Colorado College at 4 p.m. on Thursday at the Louis S. Madrid Sports Complex in Laramie.