McGowan’s late strike lifts Colorado past Cincinnati
On Friday night, the Colorado Buffaloes (13-4-1, Big 12 7-3) returned home to Prentup Field to beat the Cincinnati Bearcats (4-8-5, Big 12 2-5-2) 1-0. Colorado midfielder Michaela McGowan scored the lone goal late in the match to secure the victory.
The Buffaloes did little in the first half. They struggled to capitalize on the limited opportunities they had, and Cincinnati’s midfield held strong, limiting the Buffs to four shots.
Colorado's defense returned the favor. The backline held the Bearcats to only one shot.
The half ended with both sides locked in a stalemate.
In the second half, Colorado came out full force. While the Buffs struggled in the first half, the second-half team looked like themselves again.
Colorado put eleven shots on goal in the second half. In the 80th minute, a shot from Hope Leyba bounced off the post and landed in front of midfielder McGowan.The senior followed up with a strike that found the back of the net.
McGowan’s goal was a breath of fresh air for an offense that had come up dry all match.
Colorado maintained the lead, and goalkeeper Brooke Goersh made multiple saves, including a dangerously placed corner kick in the last 10 minutes to not only secure Colorado the win, but also to add another clean sheet to her record.
Colorado’s backline held the Bearcats to only one shot on goal the entire game. With the huge change in momentum in the second half, the Colorado defense gave the Buffs offense the push they needed to eventually put one on the board.
The Buffs will host the Oklahoma State Cowgirls (7-7-4, Big 12 3-5-2) for their last regular-season game. Kickoff is set for Thursday at 7 p.m. MT (ESPN+).
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