Colorado’s comeback comes up short in top-12 matchup

Reagan Kotschau scored her fourth goal of the season in the No. 12 Buffs' 3-2 loss against No. 3 Michigan State. (Photo via CU Athletics)

In a rematch of last year’s Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament game, the result is similar: Colorado comes up short by one goal.

The No. 12 Colorado Buffaloes (3-1-1) fell 3-2 against the No. 3 Michigan State Spartans (4-0-1) on Sunday in East Lansing, Michigan. The Buffs were outshot, had more fouls and fewer corner kicks as the Spartans rode a three-goal first half to victory.

"We didn't play well in the first half, and Michigan State took advantage of it," head coach Danny Sanchez said after the game.

Both junior Jamie Campbell and freshman Brooke Goerish got time in net. Campbell started the game and made four saves while letting in three goals, including an own goal in the 21st minute. Goerish only was called on to make one save. Still, Michigan State finished with 19 total shots as both goalkeepers showed flashes and high IQ in the wet and rainy game.

The conditions made a notable difference, with one end killing balls on the ground and making running visibly sluggish and balls difficult to control. All five goals were scored on that net, including the game’s first, an own goal by the Buffs. With the wet conditions, a long shot slipped through the hands of Campbell and into the chest of Faith Leyba, who wasn’t positioned for the ball to find her, knocking it into the net.

Senior forward Emerson Sargeant followed up the Buffs’ mistake by scoring twice, helping Michigan State to a 3-0 lead at the half. 

In the 58th minute, senior midfielder Reagan Kotschau made space for herself at the top of the 18-yard box and slid the ball past goalkeeper Bella Schopp. Colorado used that goal to begin building momentum, connecting on more passes and controlling the midfield much better. 

Eventually, Faith Leyba connected with Hope Leyba across the goal line for the Buffs’ second goal in the 77th minute. 

“In the second half we showed what we're capable of,” Sanchez said. “Against a good team on the road, we created a lot of good chances, scored two good goals and gave ourselves a chance to get back into it.”

After the two goals, Colorado ran out of time and into a good defensive team that deflated the Buffs’ offense.

Hope Leyba got her second goal of the season while Kotschau netted her team-leading fourth. Still, the effort was too little, too late after the own goal and the brace from Sargeant in the first half.

“There are no moral victories in that. We'll take the positives we got out of it and get ready for New Mexico on Thursday,” Sanchez said.

The Buffs will be back in Boulder, Colorado on Thursday, Sep. 3 to lay host to the New Mexico Lobos (1-1) at Prentup Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. MT (ESPN+).