Buffs settle for 0-0 draw against Western Michigan
The No.12 Colorado Buffaloes (3-0-1) were held scoreless for the first time this season as they settled for a goalless draw against the Western Michigan Broncos (1-0-2). The Buffs were unable to capitalize on any of their shots and for the first time this season, did not leave the pitch with the full three table points.
Heading into Thursday’s matchup, the Broncos held the longest at-home winning streak in the country with 18, and had not lost at home since Sept. 3, 2023.
For the first time this season, Colorado couldn't get its offense firing early.
Through the first 45 minutes, the Buffs dominated in every offensive category, but they couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net. Striker Hope Leyba had a handful of clear chances in the first half, but she couldn’t get the ball on frame.
In the 31st minute, CU midfielder Lexi Meyer came inches from breaking the deadlock. A cross from the end line found Meyer near the penalty spot, but her shot hit off the crossbar and bounced back into play.
Heading into halftime, the game was knotted at zero. Neither squad capitalized on the chances they created, but it was clear the Buffs were the superior team. Colorado outshot Western Michigan 6-3 in the first half and controlled possession, but were unable to turn that advantage into a lead.
The second half followed the same script. Colorado controlled possession and created chances but did not find a breakthrough.
Midfielder Michaela McGowan repeatedly created opportunities for Colorado, but her dangerous crosses into the Broncos' box were not turned into goals by her teammates.
Despite an off day for the usually high-scoring offense, the CU defense held firm once again. The backline kept its second clean sheet of the season and limited the Broncos’ offense to only three shots on goal.
"I thought we played really well for long stretches," said Buffs head coach Danny Sanchez. "We needed to find an early goal. Unfortunately, we weren't able to do that."
In the final seconds of the game, it was Colorado goalkeeper Jamie Campbell who came up big. A Western Michigan corner kick was headed on frame. Campbell parried the ball before it crossed the line to ensure that CU left the pitch with a point and preserved its unbeaten start to the season.
"Jamie makes that save with two, three seconds to go, and it easily could have been a loss," Sanchez said. "Jamie's save at the end was key for us to walk away with a draw."
The Buffs will stay in the Great Lakes State to take on the No. 3 Michigan State Spartans. Last season, Colorado and Michigan State faced off twice, and the Buffs were unable to come out of either of those games victorious. Ultimately, it was the Spartans who ended CU’s historic season. Kickoff is set for Sunday at 9 a.m. MT (Big Ten Network).
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