Colorado Ready for Road Test

MILWAUKEE – The Colorado soccer team is on the road this week for its first multi-game road trip of the season. The Buffs open play on Thursday at Marquette before closing the week at Michigan State on Sunday.

Thursday's matchup with Marquette marks the first-ever meeting between the two schools. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. MT.

CU will look to even the all-time series at a game apiece against Michigan State. The Spartans stole an overtime victory at Prentup Field back in 2016 in the team's first meeting. Nine current Buffs are still on the roster. Keeper Jalen Tompkins played all 92 minutes. Taylor Kornieck assisted on Colorado's lone goal.

The Buffs remain unbeaten in 2018. Colorado lit up the scoreboard last week, adding seven more goals to its season total. Colorado now ranks third in the NCAA with 10.80 points per game and boasts the eighth-ranked offense in the country with 3.20 goals per game. Junior Tatum Barton continued her goal-scoring prowess. She scored twice in CU's 4-0 win over UTSA, giving her six goals on the season. Senior Jorian Baucom also found the back of the net twice last week. She scored in each of CU's wins, registering the game-winner against Iowa State.

The Buffs have been equally impressive on the defensive side of the field. Colorado has allowed just one goal in its five games, opening the season with 469 minutes of shutout play. Scout Watson and Tompkins split the weekend, with Watson earning her first-career solo shutout against UTSA. Tompkins added to her win total on Sunday, making four saves against Iowa State. The pair has combined for a .950 save percentage, ranking fifth best in the nation.

About Marquette: The Golden Eagles continue to look for their first win of the season. Marquette has played a gauntlet of a schedule to open the season. After a scoreless-draw to start at Cal Poly they have gone on to play Wisconsin, Michigan, No. 14 Duke and No. 2 North Carolina. Goalkeeper Maddy Henry recorded 15 saves against Duke and UNC last weekend at the Duke Nike Classic, earning all-tournament honors.

About Michigan State: The Spartans begin the week with a 4-0-1 record. MSU is coming off a 1-1 draw at Washington at last week's Husky/Nike Invitational. They opened the tournament with a 4-0 win over Portland. Keeper Reilley Ott is third in the NCAA this season with her four shutouts.

What's Next: Colorado will return home after the weekend for a pair of games. CU will host Utah Valley on Thursday, Sept. 13. The Buffs will get back into the Colorado Cup on Sunday, Sept. 16, hosting Denver.

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Players Mentioned

Tatum Barton

Jorian Baucom

Taylor Kornieck

Jalen Tompkins

Scout Watson