Buffs to host NCAA Tournament opener as No. 3 seed against Utah Valley

Colorado Buffaloes soccer is unbeaten at Prentup Field this season and looks to continue its streak in the NCAA Tournament. (Photo by Remi Krupinski/Sko Buffs Sports)

Colorado Buffaloes soccer (15-3-3, 8-1-2 Big 12) was ranked as the No. 3 seed in their quadrant of the NCAA Tournament bracket and will host the Utah Valley Wolverines (14-3-3, 9-0-1 SWAC).

The Buffs led the Big 12 in goals with 52 and have four different players — Faith Leyba, Hope Leyba, Ava Priest and Emerson Layne — make the Big 12 All-Tournament team. 

Hope Leyba has 21 goals on the season, which is the most in Colorado history and good for second-most in the country. 

During its historic season, CU went undefeated at home and, due to its high seeding this year, will not have to go on the road until round three at the earliest. 

Utah Valley forward Faith Webber leads the nation in goals with 22. On the other wing of the pitch, forward Ruby Hladek scored another 15 goals and assisted 12 scores.

The Wolverines’ offense, led by Webber, scored 69 goals and only conceded 27 times. Their attack averages over three goals and 22 shots a game.

Utah Valley nearly won the SWAC Tournament but ultimately fell in the championship against California Baptist in penalties.

During the season, Utah Valley’s biggest win came against the LSU Tigers, who finished 13-5-4 and nearly won the SEC Championship. In the game, Webber scored a brace en route to a 3-2 win.

If the Buffs beat the Wolverines, they would host the winner of Dayton and No. 6 Xavier. 

CU hosts Utah Valley on Friday. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. MT.