Early goal-scoring helps CU secure another victory over New Mexico State

Colorado Buffaloes defender Caley Swierenga takes a shot against the New Mexico State Aggies on Thursday. (Photo by Brody Rector/Sko Buffs Sports)

The Colorado Buffaloes (4-0-1) defeated the New Mexico State Aggies (1-4-0) in a highly

offensive match, 4-1. The Buffaloes dominated their opponent’s half, putting intense pressure on them for the first 30 minutes of the game.

The Buffaloes quickly recovered from a lost coin toss by winning back possession and driving

the ball downfield. Soon after, they scored their first shot of the game when Jace Holley headed the ball into the net off an assist from Emerson Layne, instilling motivation within the team.

Continuing to brawl with the Aggies, Buffs forward Hope Leyba sank the second goal of the game, assisted by both Jace Holley and Jordan Whiteaker in the 11th minute. The three fought hard to get the ball in the net, demonstrating a strong team dynamic.

In the 29th minute, Leyba found herself in a brief face-off with New Mexico’s goalie and went on to fire another shot into the net, putting her just one goal away from a hat-trick.

“If we start with momentum, then we’re going to score no matter what. If we’re intense, no one can match that,” said Leyba regarding her successful shots on goal.

While the Buffs viciously held off the Aggies throughout the first half and most of the second,

New Mexico State scrambled to sneak one goal in from a corner kick during the 90th minute.

Reluctantly, the Buffs pushed back harder, resulting in Jace Holley being fouled in their box and allowing Colorado one last chance to have the final say.

Ava Priest wound up for the PK and banked the final goal of the game into the bottom right corner, solidifying the Buffs’ fourth win in a row.

Colorado is back in action on Sunday at 1 p.m. MT against the Wyoming Cowgirls (2-0-1) at Prentup Field and streaming live on ESPN+.