By Bronte Moore
CU Midfielder Ava Priest in the first half of the Texas Tech v. CU game. (Bronte Moore/Radio 1190)
Last Thursday night, University of Colorado Boulder and Texas Tech Women’s soccer teams faced off on Prentup Field, resulting in a huge 3-0 win for Colorado. This match tied with their previous game in 2010 against Texas A&M for the highest-ranked win in the Colorado program. It was the second win against a top-5 team in Colorado’s 30-season history, handing the Lady Raiders their first big conference loss.
In the first half, Colorado quickly pressed a strong offense, with each team taking multiple shots at each other. However, the Buffaloes quickly made a turning point in the game with their coordinated passes before midfielder Ava Priest took a low shot at the goal, scoring their first point 12 minutes in. Coaches and teammates immediately broke out into raucous cheers.
Only two minutes later Colorado scored their second goal of the night. Forward player Hope Leyba made a header before it bounced off a Texas Tech player’s foot into the net.
From there, the game became much more intense as Texas Tech tried to claw back the difference. The Lady Raiders took possession of the ball and quickly took shots at the Buffaloes but were no match for CU goalkeeper Jordan Nytes, who defended their long shots at goal until the end of the first half.
Starting the second half, both teams came at each other fast and aggressive, though CU ultimately took control of the ball. They managed to dribble precisely down the field before passing to Leyba, who scored Colorado’s third goal with a powerful shot 62 minutes into the second half.
After this, Texas Tech decided to switch out several players. As a result, the Lady Raiders became much more aggressive against the Buffaloes, even earning a yellow card for a foul. The Lady Raiders continued to attack but were unable to get past Nytes, who made multiple saves before the game ended.
Colorado teammates rushed across the field, celebrating their big win as the fans erupted from the sidelines.The Buffaloes thus ended one of their last home game for an overall 13-2-3
Colorado will play next at the Big 12 tournament at Fort Worth and Waco TX, Nov. 3 to 8.