The Buffs shut out Iowa State in Big 12 opener
On Thursday, the No. 15 Colorado Buffaloes (7-1-1, Big 12 1-0) had an ideal start to Big 12 conference play as they defeated the Iowa State Cyclones 1-0. The Cyclones came into this match on a three-game win streak, but it proved to not be enough to hold off the Buffaloes.
Both teams started the match with multiple chances, but good defensive plays along with good goalkeeping left both teams unable to capitalize.
The Buffs’ defense was led by senior captain Faith Leyba, who was the cornerstone of the defense and a major reason Colorado kept a clean sheet on Thursday night.
Freshman goalkeeper Brooke Goerish, who had three saves, kept her fourth career clean sheet en route to a dominating victory. The clean sheet is CU’s sixth of the season.
Captain Reagan Kotschau scored the Buffs lone goal of the game four minutes before halftime. The midfielder's sixth goal of the season was scored from the penalty area and set the Buffs up in a good position heading into the break.
The Buffs struggled offensively in the second half but kept the high-flying Cyclones offense at bay. The backline, led by Leyba, held firm and only allowed three shots on goal.
Colorado hadn't been tested offensively, but Iowa State proved a formidable opponent. Although the Buffs only scored once, they were able to play behind their defense to earn all three table points.
“We could have found a second goal, which would have let us relax a little bit, but having said that, we really limited their opportunities," said Colorado’s head coach Danny Sanchez.
The Buffs return home to host the No. 9 West Virginia Mountaineers on Thursday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. MT (ESPN+).
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