Leyba’s historical hat trick hurls Colorado past Iowa State, 3-1

Hope Leyba (45) slides through the legs of Ella Zimmerman (4) for Colorado's second goal (Photo by Cristian Blanco/Sko Buffs Sports)

On a brisk autumn night at Prentup Field, junior forward Hope Leyba became the first player in Colorado Buffaloes history to score a hat trick in multiple games.

The Buffaloes (7-1-2, 1-0-1) defeated the Iowa State Cyclones, 3-1. Colorado was able to dictate the pace of the game with tempo and ball control. Out of the gate, their offense was able to apply heavy pressure to the Cyclones' defense. 

“It was a good performance tonight for the Buffs. I thought we were very good going forward,” head coach Danny Sanchez said postgame. “We scored three really good goals.”

The first of the night came in the 16th minute, after Ava Priest sent a pass from the corner that came perfectly off the head of Leyba. Shortly after, tensions got high when Leyba received a yellow card in the 25th minute. Behind a supportive home crowd, Colorado’s momentum never diminished from the first score.

Her second score showcased tremendous hustle, charging towards the center of the goal, she slid through the legs of a defender to sneak the ball past Cyclones goalkeeper Kasey Cannistraro. This goal in the 36th minute would give Colorado a 2-0 lead that they played comfortably with.

During halftime, coach Sanchez was adamant about keeping a fresh rotation to keep the pressure. Eighteen different Buffs saw the pitch during Thursday’s contest.

“I thought the players that came in really changed the tempo, really changed the game and kept the level high,” Sanchez said. “The second half was some of the best soccer we played this year.”

To make sure there would be no comebacks in Boulder, Leyba put the final nail in the coffin in the 52nd minute. Receiving assists from Caley Swierenga and Greer Maguire, the final score took the wind out of the Cyclones’ sails. Leyba’s three goals put her into third place in single-season history for goals scored, and she now has 12 goals in 10 games played. 

“We were just ready for this game. We had the energy and we did what we had to do,” Leyba said. “I think everyone did good, and I was really happy with the people that came in off the bench. I think they really made a good impact tonight.”

Iowa State kept fighting until the end, earning a tough goal off a penalty kick in the 81st minute. Cyclones’ Morgan Goodman was able to find the score to prevent a shutout. Admittedly, Sanchez wanted a better finish from his group, but he was proud of the team’s effort and rotation.

“When we have a chance to get them opportunities, we want to get them opportunities,” Sanchez said. “The good thing with getting up three was we were able to rest Hope and some of the other players. But the other players that came in, there wasn't a drop off.”

Colorado’s next game will be against the Houston Cougars on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Prentup Field.