Colorado soccer finally gets a much need vindication after defeating California State University Bakersfield in a scrappy 2-1 victory, Sunday at the DU Invitational.
Coming off an overtime tie with Auburn, the Buffs were adamant about ending the horrible early season losing streak that has been on their back for the past couple of weeks. This game had to be theirs, even if it had to get a little ugly.
“You always remind yourself, ugly or whatever, a win is a win,” said CU head coach Bill Hempen. “We certainly needed that.”
(CU Independent illustration/Kelly Kaoudis)
Amy Barczuk scored from the spot, awarded by Shaye Marshall, forcing a Bakersfield defender to take her down in the penalty area in the 13th minute.
Marshall was at it again 13 minutes later with a goal off a great, somewhat unexpected pass, from Kate Russell. But great players like Marshall are always anticipating to score.
“You have to always expect the ball, but usually Kate takes that one and goes against the goalie and scores,” Marshall said. “You’ve always got to support her no matter what.”
CSUB came right back down the field and capitalized off Tyler Shirk’s loose ball finish from a corner kick. Again, just like Friday against Auburn, CU fell victim to being scored on within five minutes after scoring.
The Buffs went into halftime up 2-1, completely dominating in shots at 11 to two. It was a great first half performance, especially with Caroline Danneberg, Bianca Jones and Lizzy Herzl injured for Sunday’s game.
“A lot of kids who were subs on Friday were starters today,” Hempen said. “We survived without [the injured players], and hopefully we can get them back heading into next week.”
Even with the main starters on the bench, the Buffaloes played well, but CSUB made it an earned victory, keeping the score deadlocked until the final whistle. For now, the Buffs are getting a much-needed rest just before their Inaugural PAC-12 season starts Friday at Oregon State.
“The schedule is in our favor knowing we have only one opponent next weekend,” Hempen said. “If anyone needs a break right now, it’s us.”
Contact CU Independent Sports Writer Joseph.wirth@colorado.edu.
