Buffs Look to Halt Cougars
BOULDER—Colorado soccer looks to complete the 2-0 homestand when they take on Washington State on Sunday (Noon, Pac-12 Networks).
Colorado (6-3-1, 1-0-1 Pac-12) took down Washington by a 2-1 result on Thursday, picking up its first Pac-12 win of the season. Super senior Shanade Hopcroft continued to lead the way for the Buffaloes. She has accumulated nine points (3 G, 3 A) in CU's last three matches.
The Buffs hope to turn the tide against the Cougars. CU has dropped its last two matches to WSU, including last year's heartbreaking 1-0 overtime loss at Prentup Field.
"They are a very good team," head coach Danny Sanchez noted. "They are 8-1-1 after beating Utah. They are very dangerous in the attack. We'll have to do a good job of controlling the ball and keeping it away from their dangerous players. They play with a fight and we're going to have to match that intensity. I'm not sure when we played in the spring that we did. I think we'll need to bring our best game on Sunday to get a result."
The Buffs did a good job of controlling the ball against the Huskies, especially in the second half. Five of CU's seven corner kicks came in the final 45 minutes. Colorado's seven total corner attempts matched its season-high against Colorado College. CU only mustered two corner kicks against WSU in the previous matchup.
"I thought we played some of our best soccer in the second half against Washington," Sanchez added. "Not in terms of goals, but we did really well with our control."
WSU is coming off a 1-0 win at Utah on Thursday. The Cougars outshot the Utes 20-7, putting eight shots on target. WSU is outscoring its opponents 27-3 through its first 10 games this season and hasn't allowed a goal in its last five matches.
"This is Pac-12 soccer," Sanchez explained. "For the players that haven't been indoctrinated into it, this is what you're going to get every Thursday and Sunday."
Sunday's match closes the quick homestand for the Buffs. Fans through the gates will receive a t-shirt giveaway (as supplies last).
Thad Anderson will have the call on the Pac-12 Network.