Freshman forward Erin Bricker fights for the ball in between two Cyclones, including Laura Wooster Sunday. (CU Independent/Michelle Davenport)
In the final two minutes of Colorado’s Big 12 Conference soccer game against Iowa State, the mindset of each side was most likely in complete contrast: if winning, it felt like two hours remained; if losing, it felt like two seconds were about to expire.
“If 1-0 is the way we’re going to win, then I have to learn to live with it,” said CU head coach Bill Hempen in the aftermath of the Buffs’ 1-0 win over the Cyclones on Sunday.
With the victory, Colorado (6-5-0) improves to 3-0 in the Big 12 while Iowa State (4-3-4) falls to 0-2 in the conference.
Colorado got the early lead after freshman forward Erin Bricker’s run down the right wing.
Dribbling the ball into the penalty box area, Bricker paused before dropping the ball to senior forward Kelly Menachof, who buried the ball in the lower-left corner for a goal in the 5th minute of the first half.
The goal marks the senior’s first of the season.
“Finally,” Menachof said. “It’s been a long time coming. It’s been happening in practice but I just haven’t been finding the net in games, so it feels good to finally get that out of the way.”
The Buffs controlled the ball for the majority of the first half, leaving very little opportunities for the Cyclones to formulate attacks.
Colorado’s attack was persistent throughout both halves. In the 61st minute of play, a fray for the ball ensued after senior forward Nikki Marshall’s run to the penalty box produced three shots and a corner kick in the span of a few seconds.
Colorado stacked up eight corner kicks, four during each half. The total was four more than the team had in Friday’s game versus Nebraska.
The early lead may have given the Buffs the edge. Menachof said that it quickly helped establish confidence.
“Having momentum early is huge,” Menachof said.
Colorado’s defense was instrumental in the victory, allowing nine shots and only one of which was on goal.
Senior goalkeeper Kara Linder, who saw little activity, notched her second consecutive shutout.
The defense, which Hempen had previously commented on as in need of improvement, is beginning to impress the head coach.
“I’ve gotten more and more comfortable with these kids that are playing right now,” Hempen said, speaking of the four starting defenders. “Quinn’s [Krier] been playing fantastic, Amy’s [Barczuk] been told she’s the leader now and Kelly Ross is doing a great job in the middle. Kym [Lowry] is the unsung defender for our team. She’s a good soccer player.”
Hempen additionally said that the junior Lowry has provided Colorado with, “Two-and-a-half years of quiet consistency.”
As the team looks ahead in the Big 12, Menachof said the match provided a momentary spark of enthusiasm.
“Today, everyone was moving,” Menachof said. “It just felt much better than the last couple weeks. It was just better soccer for us today.”
Next up for Colorado is Oklahoma, who will visit the Buffs at Prentup Field on Friday at 4 p.m.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Esteban L. Hernandez at Esteban.hernandez@colorado.edu.
