9/2/04
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August 10, 2004, the beginning of D-day for the soccer team, also known as, the start of preseason. The returnees came into preseason with hopes to make this season better than the last. While our tender freshman came in with great attitudes. Coach Moore decided that the typical two-a-days was not enough, so we would have four activities (running, lifting, and two practices) a day making preseason more fun for everyone!
We participated in different bonding activities to help us come together as a team. From bowling to spending the night in bear country (ask Kara about her bear callJ), to our intense game of SPOONS, we started to gel nicely.
Days seemed long when we were at practice and short when we were trying to rest and sleep. Although preseason was only a few weeks it seemed like an eternity before our first real game . . . the rematch against Gonzaga. The jitters were running through us. Gonzaga came out and we didn't. We made some critical mistakes and missed some goal scoring opportunities; potentially beating ourselves. After a 2-0 half time lead Gonzaga scored a third goal while the Cowgirls could only put one in. Final Score Gonzaga 3, Wyoming 1.
Sunday a new day, new beginnings, so we thought. Before we could find our rhythm the score was 1-0 Eastern Washington. Things were not looking good for the Cowgirls. On the field you could hear things like, "my bad!", "oops!", and the most famous "sorry I fell!"J After the forwards got a "pep talk", if you will, from co-captain Sarah Skinner, the second half was underway. With time ticking off the clock we needed to act fast, real fast. With 22 minutes left in the game, I received the ball at the top of the box, turned, shot, and prayed for a goal. When I looked up, time seemed to have stopped and the ball was moving in slow motion through the air over the outstretched arms of the Eastern Washington goal keeper and into the back of the net. GOAL WYO!!! The game was now knotted at one. Shortly after, co-captain Sarah Skinner picked up her second yellow card and was ineligible for overtime play. Overtime begins. Ten minutes. Golden goal. A player down. With 11 seconds left we were able to score on a break away to clinch the victory. The team ran out onto the field jumping and cheering, but wait a minute, what's going on? It's not over? Were we off sides? Did we foul the keeper? What happened? Turns out there was some confusion about the overtime periods between the coaches and officials. It was not golden goal but we had another ten minutes to play. Holding strong we held on to the win. WYO 2, Eastern Washington 1.
Thanks for following the Cowgirls! Mari Gomes #24
