The University of Wyoming soccer team kicks off its 2026 season on Sunday with an exhibition match against Denver at 1 p.m. at the Madrid Sports Complex. Coming off a mixed 2025 season marked by a notable win against No. 15 Georgia, the Cowgirls aim to improve on their 7-6-6 record. With eight returning starters, including notable players like goalkeeper Haley Bartel and striker Alyssa Glover, head coach Josh Purdum emphasizes execution and mental preparedness as key focus areas for the season. Wyoming was recently ranked second in the Mountain West Conference preseason Coaches' Poll.

By the Numbers
  • Wyoming finished the 2025 season with a record of 7-6-6 and 10 points in Mountain West play.
  • Goalkeeper Haley Bartel recorded eight shutouts, ranking third in program history.
  • Alyssa Glover led the conference with 11 goals, while the rest of the team combined for only eight goals.
Yes, But

Despite having a solid defense last season, Wyoming's offense struggled, raising concerns about their scoring ability as they proceed into the new season.

State of Play
  • The Cowgirls return eight starters, focusing on building consistency from last year's strengths.
  • The team is under the leadership of head coach Josh Purdum, entering his third year with a goal-oriented mindset.
  • Denver, the season's opponent, finished with a strong record but is now competing in a new conference following their past season.
What's Next

Following the exhibition against Denver, Wyoming will open its regular season against Drake on Thursday, aiming to kickstart their campaign with a solid performance.

Bottom Line

As the Cowgirls embark on their season, the emphasis will be on executing their defensive strengths while significantly improving their goal-scoring capabilities to enhance their standings in the Mountain West Conference.