The Colorado women’s soccer team is working hard to not lose a second game this season.
The Buffs were beaten 2-1 by the University of Denver Pioneers at CIBER Field in Denver Saturday. It was the first game for both teams in the DU Invitational.
Denver opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a header from freshman Jessy Battelli, off of freshman Nicholette DiGiacomo’s corner kick.
CU responded in the 38th minute with a goal from freshman Hayley Hughes. Hughes shot came from 25 yards out and deflected off Denver defender Alexis Hanks on its way into the net.
The Buffs were aggressive in the first half with nine shots total, and five on goal. Despite the prevalence of shots, they could not find the back of the net.
The Buffs had a chance with 11 minutes left, as freshman Anne Stuller’s cross found junior Kassidy Fitzpatrick, whose shot was saved by the Denver goalkeeper.
In the dying minutes of the game, CU goalkeeper Annie Brunner brought down DU sophomore Kalie Vaughn in the box. A penalty was given, and DiGiacomo slotted it home, giving DU the lead and eventually the win.
The Buffs will continue the tournament Monday, when they will take on UNLV for the first time ever on the soccer field in Denver.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Mark McNeillie at Mark.mcneillie@colorado.edu.