Junior forward Brie Hooks crosses the ball into the box. CU took down Cincinatti 1-0. (Matt Sisneros/CU Independent)
The University of Colorado women’s soccer team improved their season record (3-1-1) with a 1-0 victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats on a cloudy Friday afternoon at Prentup Field.
The Buffaloes, who are on a two-game winning streak, came out a little slow in the scoreless first half, but bounced into gear just 10 minutes into the beginning of the second.
It took 48 minutes for the Buffs to add a score on the board, with fresh new faces beginning to make something for themselves within the program. Freshman Sarah Kinzner connected with fellow freshman Erin Greening to assist for a goal just 10 yards out from the net.
“I got on the ball,” said Kinzner. “I saw Erin making a great run through so I chipped the ball past the defender.”
“It was funny,” added Greening, who scored her second goal for the season. “We talked about it just before I told her, just chip to me, I want it.”
Though offensively the Buffs had a quiet afternoon, their defense completely shut down any chance the Bearcats had of scoring. Starters, including seniors Kahlia Hogg and Madison Krauser, junior Alex Huynh and sophomore Joss Orejel, played tight man-to-man coverage. The Buffs’ aggressive defense held the Bearcats for a total of only five shots for the entire match.
Senior goalie Kate Scheele, who played all 90 minutes of the match, only had to make one save for the afternoon.
“We were good in the back,” said head coach Danny Sanchez. “Kate really didn’t have to make a tough save, dealt with what she needed to and Erin scored a great goal off of a nice assist from Sarah. We know what we need to be better, having said that, when we’re not at our best and we can win, obviously we’re pleased with that.”
The win extends the Buffaloes all-time series to 2-0 against the Bearcats. The teams last met three seasons ago, in a neutral site match played in Denver, and the Buffs won 2-1. The Bearcats now are 2-2-1 for the season.
[click for .gif] Junior forward Danica Evans flips to throw the ball in. (Matt Sisneros/CU Independent)
“We always want to be at home especially with the teams that are coming out,” said Sanchez. “Altitude is difficult for these teams and we need to build a fortress around Prentup. This needs to be a place where it’s hard to get wins.”
Only four more non-conference matches are left on the schedule for the Buffs before they start Pac-12 play against California at Prentup Field on Sept. 27.
“At home against these teams, we need to get results because we know as we build towards Pac-12 play in a few weeks, it’s a whole different ball game,” said Sanchez.
The Colorado Buffaloes shift focus to their next game against a former Big 12 rival, Iowa State, at Prentup Field.
The Buffaloes lead the all-time series against the Cyclones, 12-2-1, with an impressive 9-0 record at home. The match Sunday will mark the school’s first meeting since 2011, Colorado’s final year in the Big 12.
Colorado will take on Iowa State this Sunday, Sept. 6 at 1 p.m. MDT, with a live stream available at pac12.com.
Contact CU Independent Sports Staff Writer Alexandra Aiello at alexandra.aiello@colorado.edu.
