Buffs make statement with first top-10 win in four years over No. 7 TCU
- Aramis Loma-Guzman
- 6 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The Colorado Buffaloes (9-1-2, 3-0-1) defeated the No. 7-ranked TCU Horned Frogs (9-2, 3-1) 3-1 on Thursday night behind inspired play from their three forwards. The top 10 win is Colorado’s first since March 5, 2021.
CU avenged two brutal losses from last season, including a 6-1 loss at home during the regular season and a 3-1 defeat during the second round of the Big 12 tournament.
Early on, Horned Frogs midfielder Sydney Becerra was having her way with the Buffs' backline. She had two chances in the first 10 minutes that nearly ended in the back of the net.
But in the 16th minute, it was midfielder Emma Yolinsky who made a run into CU’s box, cut in and snuck the ball into the near post net to take the lead.
Meanwhile, the Colorado attack struggled to get the ball past its own half. TCU’s press flustered the Buffs, which resulted in many giveaways.
Despite the constant pressure from TCU, Colorado keeper Jordan Nytes held firm and made nine saves.
“Jordan was unbelievable tonight, she showed why she's an All-American,” Buffs head coach Danny Sanchez said after the game.
In the 35th minute, reigning Big 12 Co-Offensive Player of the Week Hope Leyba dribbled past defenders and found forward Jace Holley deep in the 18-yard box. The striker was able to pass the ball into the net to score her ninth goal of the season.
Heading into halftime, the game was tied 1-1, but TCU had dominated offensively. The Horned Frogs outshot the Buffs 12-4 and had four shots on goal compared to CU’s one.
In the first half, TCU's defense had kept Leyba off the ball as much as they could, so to begin the second half, she dragged defenders out of the box to leave space for crosses to the other forwards.
And in the 58th minute, Colorado striker Emerson Layne redirected a bouncing ball inside the penalty area into the net for the lead.
Seven minutes later, Leyba headed in a cross to extend the lead to two. The striker currently leads the country in goals with 14 and has scored in each of her last three fixtures.
For the remaining 25 minutes of play, the Buffs parked the bus and played in front of the ball. Colorado’s defense smothered the Horned Frogs every time they touched the ball inside the 18-yard box. The backs silenced TCU attacker Seven Castain, who entered Thursday with 11 goal contributions and split last week's Big 12 Offensive POTW honors with Leyba.
“It was a great night for the Buffs,” Sanchez said. “I was really pleased with how we responded to the early adversity… We defended like warriors.”
The Buffaloes will make the 90-minute trip from Fort Worth to Waco, Texas, to take on the No. 20 Baylor Bears (8-1-2, 3-1). Kickoff is set for Sunday at noon MT (ESPN+).