Hope Leyba scores hat trick as CU Buffs tame Fordham Rams

Colorado Buffaloes soccer striker Hope Leyba (#45) continued her hot stretch of play to start the season with a hat trick against Fordham on Thursday. (Photo by Ryan Asaro/Sko Buffs Sports)

The Colorado Buffaloes (2-0-1) continued their tradition of dominating Rams on Thursday night, but this time they were from Fordham. A Hope Leyba hat trick, along with a Jace Holley hat trick of assists, helped the Buffs stroll past Fordham 7-1. 

Colorado head coach Danny Sanchez elected to use a 4-3-3 formation, featuring three forwards: Leyba, Holley, and senior Emerson Layne. Boulder native Ava Priest made her first start of the season after battling an injury during the first week of the season.

In the 10th minute, Leyba bagged her first goal following an insane solo effort to drive the ball into the box. In each of the first three games, the Buffs have found a way to score inside the first 20 minutes.

Nine minutes later, Holley curled the ball from beyond the box into the far post net to score her third goal in as many games.

In the 22nd minute, a Jordan Whitaker free kick found Layne, who was able to knock the ball off the right post and into the net. The forward was able to score eight minutes later after an inspired solo run from junior Reagan Kotschau ended with a perfectly delivered ball that squared her up with the net.

The Buffs didn't score for the remaining 15 minutes of the half, but it was clear they were in the driver’s seat. Reigning Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Year Jordan Nytes only played the first half, and though she made two saves, neither challenged her.

Colorado Buffaloes defender Faith Leyba leaps for a header on Thursday against Fordham. (Ryan Asaro/Sko Buffs Sports)

Nine minutes into the second half, a well-placed Holley cross found Leyba, who was able to touch the ball into the open net. Two minutes later, a corner kick bounced around inside the box and found the striker, who blasted the ball past the keeper for the third time.

“This is a great feeling. I'm so happy,” Leyba said after the game. “Every time I step on the field, I know I'm going to score.”

Fordham finally got its first goal of the game in the 74th minute via a string of passes that ended with midfielder Lena Johnsen’s shot finding the back of the net.

In the 89th minute, the Buffs capped off its goal-filled game with Josie Master’s first goal of the season. 

With the game slipping out of reach for Fordham early on, Colorado was able to give all of its bench players important playing time. In total, 22 Buffs recorded more than 20 minutes.

“We played well, very efficiently,” Sanchez said. “I'm really pleased with the performance … Really good game from the Buffs.”

CU will host the University of North Carolina Greensboro Spartans (0-2) at Prentup Field on Sunday at noon MT (ESPN+).