No. 16 Buffs Return Home

BOULDER — Colorado soccer returns home this week, following its three-match road swing to open the Big 12 season. The No. 16 Buffaloes will open the week on Thursday, hosting the Baylor Bears for the first time since 2019.

The No. 16 ranking is the highest the Buffs have climbed since reaching No. 15 in the Oct. 16, 2018, United Soccer Coaches poll.

Colorado's 3-0-0 start to Big 12 play is its best start to conference play since its 6-0-0 start to the 2016 Pac-12 season. The Buffs' three-match conference winning streak is part of their larger, nation-leading eight-match winning streak. The Buffs have not dropped a match since Aug. 18.

"We're coming back home, and I think that will bring renewed energy," head coach Danny Sanchez said. "It was a tough three-game stretch from a travel side of things, and we were able to get the results, which was important. I don't know that we played our best soccer at all times. So, we're excited to be back home."

The Buffs enjoyed the friendly confines of Prentup Field this season, boasting a 5-1-0 record. The team has outscored opponents 15-4 at home and has recorded three consecutive clean sheets.

Colorado's offense has been in overdrive the last three matches, recording games with 23, 11 and 24 shots. CU has outshot its opponents 58-33 and a staggering 30-9 in shots on goal to start Big 12 play. The Buffs' 58 shots in Big 12 play lead the con, CU has just four goals to show for it, with all three matches being one-goal decisions.

"At the end of it, we're creating chances," Sanchez explained. "If you're getting one goal and only creating one chance, that's a problem. We're creating chances. We're getting into good spots. I think the goals are going to come. We have really good personnel, and if you look at this past weekend, it's probably unfortunate not to maybe get some more, especially on Sunday. We know that those come and go, but we're going to be good in goal, good in the back and solid in what we do. As long as we're creating chances, we'll be good."

Colorado has 20 goals by nine different goal-scorers this season. Last week's scoring started with two of the Buffs' emerging threats, Hope Leyba and Jace Holley. Leyba is tied with Shyra James for the team lead in goals (5) and points (11). Holley has put in three goals this season, all three of which are game-winners. The freshman leads the Big 12 and is 11th in the nation in game-winning goals.

"I think going forward, like I said, although maybe it's not showing in the score, but I think the movement has been good," Sanchez added. "I think Juliauna in the midfield has been absolutely fantastic. Miky [Rosenbaum], obviously Emerson [Layne] getting the goal [at Iowa State]. We have a lot of personnel when Ava gets going forward. Jace and Hope have been really good and when we get Shyra back, it will be another boost to the attack."

The Buffs hold a 7-6-3 series advantage over the Bears. The two teams last met in a 1-0 win for CU at Prentup Field in 2019.

Baylor (6-4-1, 1-2-0 Big 12) broke out of its scoreless drought to start Big 12 play with a four-goal showing against Houston last Thursday. The 4-0 win over the Cougars stopped a four-match winless streak.

Thursday's kickoff is set for 7 p.m. MT on ESPN+.

The first 300 fans through the gates will receive a free Soctober Fest t-shirt.

Fans are also encouraged to donate new or like-new winter clothing items to benefit the Porchlight Family Justice Center.

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Players Mentioned

Jace Holley

Shyra James

Hope Leyba