Madison Krauser, senior, charges down the field towards the ISU goal Sept. 6, 2015. (Will McKay/CU Independent)
The University of Colorado Buffaloes women’s soccer program has seen great success so far this year, and its matchup against Iowa State on Sunday proved to be no different. After an exciting, highly defensive performance from both teams, the Buffs managed to defeat the talented Cyclones 2-1 with a penalty kick by junior forward Brie Hooks in overtime.
Throughout regulation, the Buffs played tight with the Cyclones. By the time the 90th minute rolled around, senior goalkeeper Kate Scheele had hardly seen any action with a tied score of 1-1.
Entering Sunday’s game, Hooks shined as the team’s leading scorer with two goals on the season already. She was a key player for Colorado in 2014, topping the scoring charts with eight goals and helping her teammates with an equally impressive seven assists.
She has contributed to an effective Colorado attack this season, helping lead the Buffs to the top of the Pac-12 conference in both shots (103) and assists (12). Hooks’ work rate and composure on the field was essential on Sunday as she led the team to victory in the final minutes of the matchup.
The Buffaloes also rank in the top five in several other categories, such as goals (11), and have boasted one of the most dangerous offenses in Danny Sanchez’s four-year tenure as the Colorado women’s soccer head coach.
Prior to Sunday night’s game, the unranked Cyclones shocked No. 10 Pepperdine and made a statement with their 1-0 win. By the time they met up with the Buffs, they boasted an overall record of 4-1.
Sunday’s game began with a slip for the Buffs when in the fourth minute a lapse in the defensive back line allowed a through ball from Iowa State’s Haley Albert right to forward Koree Willer for a clear opportunity on goal. The shot was taken clinically to the top left corner, just out of Scheele’s reach.
The Buffs continued to struggle throughout the rest of the half as they tried to break pressure from Iowa State and score an equalizer. But their defense held firm, and solid play from Cyclone keeper Lindsey Hendon kept the Buffs quiet.
The second half was characterized by rock-solid defense from the Buffs, which was best demonstrated by Scheele and her single save during the half. Hendon helped Iowa State to her best ability, making five saves during the second half, but eventually the Iowa State defense gave way to the Colorado pressure in the 81st minute. A key pass from Hooks allowed a perfectly positioned Danica Evans to score an easy tap-in to the left of Hendon.
This critical goal brought the Buffs back into the game, and they remained confident through the rest of regulation. After the 90th minute, the teams remained tied at 1-1, forcing overtime. The Buffs continued their pressure once the first half of overtime began, and their efforts were rewarded in the 95th minute when midfielder Erin Greening was fouled in the goalie box by an Iowa State defender. In doing so, the Cyclones gave the Buffs a possible game-winning opportunity from the penalty spot.
Hooks calmly took the kick, slotted the ball to the left side of the goal and sent Hendon the opposite direction. The goal secured the Buffs the win in overtime against a strong Cyclone team.
“We dug ourselves a hole, but I’m really pleased with how we responded,” Sanchez said after the game.
Following the important win, the Buffaloes will make the short trip to Denver to face the DU Pioneers in the Colorado Cup on Friday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. The Buffs will look to build on this victory and continue their positive season.
See the Buffs’ remaining schedule here.
Contact CU Independent Sports Staff Writer Sean Gates at sean.gates@colorado.edu.
