CU ups DU 1-nil
CU soccer allowed only three shots on goal in Friday’s game against in-state rival University of Denver and posted its third shutout of the year, winning 1-0.
Freshman Jess Quador, a defender, scored the only goal from outside the top right corner of the penalty box in the first half of the game. The Buffs had six shots on goal, and are now 5-1-1 for the season.
Quador did not start the game but was substituted in about halfway through the first half.
“Our effort was good. We weren’t always real smart, but I was very happy with the effort,” head coach Bill Hempen said. “I hoped that we could get to this point, keep everyone healthy, give them the weekend off, and get back to it on Tuesday.”
Freshman Nikki Marshall, CU’s leading scorer, was credited with an assist on the goal. Marshall had a breakaway in the first half, but she collided with DU goalkeeper Danielle Wiley outside the top of the penalty box and the play was dead.
DU’s best scoring chances of the game came in the first half on back-to-back corner kicks. The first opportunity was headed just over the crossbar and out of play, and on the second chance freshman goalkeeper Kara Linder made two diving saves in a row.
CU has four goalkeepers on the roster, but there is no controversy over who is the starter.
“It’s never a question. We have two very good goalkeepers and two very good chasers,” Hempen said. “Kara is No. 1.”
Defender Michelle Wenino, who broke up several DU plays and cleared the ball out of CU territory many times, earned praise from the coach.
“She had a great game. Left defender was our best position on the field today,” Hempen said.
DU’s Katie Oates was given a yellow card in the second half for charging at Marshall from behind.
CU soccer is currently ranked No. 14.