CU Buffs Soccer Advances to Sweet 16 After Dominating Win

UPDATE: The Colorado Buffaloes women’s soccer team has just secured a spot in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament with a commanding 2-0 victory over Xavier. This thrilling win marks only the third time in program history that the Buffs have reached this stage, the first since 2013.

The decisive moment came late in the match when junior forward Hope Leyba launched a stunning 40-yard goal in the 87th minute, sealing the game and electrifying fans. Coach Danny Sanchez praised Leyba’s performance, stating, “What a classy goal from Hope. It took the heat and the pressure off us.”

This upcoming Sunday, the Buffs will face the second-seeded Michigan State Spartans at 11 a.m. MT in East Lansing. With aspirations to reach the Elite Eight, the Buffs are eager to build on their momentum. “We’re ready for Sunday,” Sanchez emphasized, acknowledging the challenge ahead against a formidable opponent.

The Buffs and Spartans met earlier this season, ending in a 1-1 draw on August 14, 2023. Leyba scored in that match, setting the stage for her record-breaking season with a team-high 22 goals to date. The Buffs’ all-time NCAA Tournament record in true road games stands at just 2-10, but they aim to change that statistic with a strong performance.

In their previous game, Buffs goalkeeper Jordan Nytes made a tournament-record 12 saves, solidifying her status as the program’s all-time leader in NCAA Tournament saves with 35 total. The team’s defense will be crucial as they prepare to face Michigan State’s top scorer, Kennedy Bell, who leads her team with 11 goals.

The stakes are high for the Buffs, not just for the team, but for their seniors who may not get another chance at this level. Sanchez reflected on the significance of this moment, stating, “For them to have this opportunity when there are only 16 teams left is a tremendous testament to their commitment.”

As excitement builds, fans are encouraged to tune in to this critical matchup, which will be broadcast on ESPN+. The Buffs are poised to make history, and the entire program is ready for the challenge.

Stay tuned for updates as the tournament progresses. This is a moment for the Buffs to shine and possibly advance to uncharted territory in NCAA soccer history.