Altitude a factor in crucial win
After the heartbreaking loss to No. 1 Stanford on Friday, the Colorado Buffaloes women’s soccer team bounced back with a 1-0 overtime victory over the Drake Bulldogs on Sunday in Boulder.
The Buffaloes dominated the Bulldogs throughout the game, including outshooting the Bulldogs 27-8 and controlling the corner kick chances 8-2.
“The Bulldogs were pretty big and physical, but we used our speed because we were quicker,” said CU’s junior defender Michelle Wenino.
After regulation, however, the Buffaloes looked up at a scoreless scoreboard.
“Coming into overtime, we came out pumped and we really wanted it,” Wenino said.
As the overtime period began, the Colorado Buffaloes came out dominating the period, out-shooting Drake 5-0, and taking advantage of two early fouls committed by the Bulldogs.
“I think (Drake) was feeling the effects of the altitude. They were tired,” said CU head coach Bill Hempen.
Six minutes and 52 seconds into the overtime period, Michelle Wenino took the fifth shot of the period, and the ball soared past Drake’s goalkeeper Jenny Schroeder. Sophomore forward Nikki Marshall was credited with the assist.
“Michelle (Wenino) is our best player. So who better than to end the agony?” Hempen said. “We have a tough stretch coming up, we’re going to need young legs, especially Tuesday (at Laramie), and get ready for Big 12 play Friday.”
The Buffaloes truck into Laramie to face the Wyoming Cowgirls Tuesday Sept. 25, and then start Big 12 play Friday Sept. 28, in Boulder, against the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Brent New at brent.new@colorado.edu.
