Buffs dominate Pioneers to collect sixth win of the season

Colorado Buffaloes soccer huddles in celebration after a goal against the Denver Pioneers. (Photo by Remi Krupinski/Sko Buffs Sports)

The Colorado Buffaloes (6-1-1) dominated the Denver Pioneers (2-3-3) by a score of 2-0 on Thursday night. The Buffs bullied Denver en route to their 14th consecutive win in the rivalry.

Colorado head coach Danny Sanchez used a 4-3-3 formation with Emerson Layne, Jace Holley and Hope Leyba as the forwards. The three-striker look has brought the Buffs' offensive success as they’ve scored 28 goals in eight games.

Four minutes into the match, CU forward Jace Holley converted a bouncing cross into her eighth goal of the season. Fast starts have come often for the Buffs, and are a big reason the squad has only one loss thus far.

In the 8th minute, a Buffs corner kick found its way to freshman midfielder Vivi Zacarias, who curled the ball into the top left bin to extend the lead to two.

The Buffs were unable to capitalize on any other offensive opportunities, but also limited the Pioneers. Heading into halftime, CU had shot the ball eight times while Denver had only accumulated one.

The second half was much of the same; although the Buffs were unable to reach the back of the net again, they were on the offensive the whole time. 

Reigning Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Year Jordan Nytes only had to make one save all night, which was enough to secure her 21st collegiate clean sheet.

"I think it was more of a statement,” Zacarias said after the game. “Not even to the people watching, but more to us, because we couldn't get those goals in Wisconsin.""It was like, 'Ok, we're the team that we know can score and that can attack,' and we know that we're great offensively,” she added.“I think it gave us more confidence to keep going and keep pushing.”

CU’s next game is its first conference matchup. Last season, the Buffs went into conference play with a 7-1 record but were unable to get much success against their conference foes as they went 4-2-5 against Big 12 teams. 

This year, Colorado has proven that at times it can be among the country's best offensive units, but can struggle to put together a complete performance. To be successful in conference play, the Buffs must play like they did against Denver, dominating on both sides of the pitch. 

"We're pleased with the performance," Sanchez said. "We wanted momentum going into Big 12 play and to beat our local rival at their place, in front of a great crowd. It gives us a lot of confidence."

The Buffs return to Prentup Field to open up Big 12 conference play against the Kansas State Wildcats. Kickoff is set for Thursday at 7 p.m. MT (ESPN+).