Colorado shows out in 6-0 rout against Army

The Buffaloes defeated Army without allowing a single shot on goal. (Photo by Aspen Doust / Sko Buffs Sports)

The No. 13 Colorado Buffaloes (2-0-0) continued their strong start with a 6-0 dismantling of the Army Black Knights. The win marked Colorado head coach Danny Sanchez’s 200th in Division I.

The Buffs began their offensive charge early in the match.

Eight minutes into the bout, a cross from Colorado captain Reagan Kotschau found striker Hope Leyba at the top of the 18-yard box. Leyba redirected the ball into the net to open the scoring.

Eleven minutes later, CU midfielder Michaela McGowan found herself through onto goal with only the goalkeeper to beat. Her calm, right-footed finish doubled the Buffs' lead.

The midfield duo of McGowan and Kotschau troubled the Army backline for the full 90 minutes. The midfielders combined for six shots, four of which were on frame. 

In minute 29, Kotschau turned a routine corner kick into a spectacular Olimpico goal straight from the corner spot. Thirty seconds after the restart of the game, McGowan curled the ball from the left side of the pitch into the top-right bin to give the Buffs four goals within the first 30 minutes. 

“I’ve been working on shooting on frame, and I'm just super excited I was able to keep it under the crossbar,” McGowan said after her two-goal game. “I owe the credit to my teammates … I'm so blessed to be a part of something so amazing.”

The highlight plays didn't stop after halftime.

Three minutes into the second half, Colorado freshman Sloane Phillips scored her first collegiate goal, which extended the lead to five. 

Colorado's defense was just as effective as its offense, limiting  Army to no shots and no corner kicks.

Because of their dominance on both halves of the pitch, Sanchez was able to play 22 different players, including all three goalkeepers.  

“Really pleased with how we came out today,” Sanchez said following the victory. “Obviously getting the goals was good, but really limiting their opportunities was special.”

The Buffs capped off the showcase with another Olimpico goal straight from a corner kick, this time by freshman Sienna McAthy. 

Colorado is set to take on Cal State Fullerton at Prentup Field on Thursday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. MT (ESPN+).