Buffs Pick Up First Spring Season Win

GREELEY, Colo.-The University of Colorado women's soccer team claims their first spring season win over the University of Northern Colorado 2-1 Wednesday night.

A first half goal by Kate Russell followed by a second half goal by Maggi Steury gave Colorado their first two goals during spring competition.

"This was a very good test for us as Northern Colorado played well," head coach Bill Hempen said.

Hempen experimented with a 4-3-3 formation against the Bears. He was pleased with what he was seeing on the field until goalkeeper Kelly Moore had to be taken out of the game after a collision with a UNC forward. Backup freshmen goalkeeper Annie Brunner has not been cleared to play for the Buffs yet, so forward Lauren Shaner and defender Kelci Newlin shared goalkeeping duties for the remainder of the half. The duo only allowed one UNC goal putting the Bears up 1-0 in the first half.

The Buffs retaliated when Russell beat the onrushing keeper and tucked the ball neatly into the empty net to tie the game 1-1 at the half.

CU entered the second half playing well across the field, which opened Steury up for a shot opportunity that was deflected, but soon found its way into the goal to put the Buffs up 2-1.

"This was Maggie [Steury]'s first goal as a Buff," said Hempen. "Although these spring season goals do not count on your career record it was great to see her get that one."

There were a handful of Buffs that played well against the Bears. "Amy Barczuk, Amy Steiner, Kate, Kassidy, Erin Bricker, Carline Danneberg and Kelly Ross have all solidified their roll on the team," Hempen said.

The Buffs will take on the Bears during their regular 2010 season. "It should be a lively event at Prentup Field," Hempen said.

CU continues their spring season with a matchup against Regis University on Kittredge Field Wednesday at 5 p.m.