Thursday, September 5
7 p.m.
Colorado
vs
Denver
Photo by: Gavin Crowson
Buffs and Pioneers Renew Rivalry
September 04, 2024 | Soccer
No. 18 Colorado hosts Denver on Thursday
BOULDER — The long history between Colorado Soccer and its down-south neighbors, the Denver Pioneers, continues on Thursday at Prentup Field (7 p.m. MT/ESPN+). It will be the 30th meeting between the two programs, dating back to 1997.
Colorado (4-1-0) moved up four spots in the United Soccer Coaches rankings after its win last week at UNC Greensboro. The Buffs start the week at No. 18 in the nation, their highest ranking since reaching No. 17 in the Oct. 1, 2019 poll.
The Pioneers started the season 0-2-0 but have since won their last four matches, including a 3-2 win at Texas A&M.
"Denver is really on a roll," head coach Danny Sanchez noted. "They had a disappointing result in the second match of the season, but since then have run off four in a row, including a win at Texas A&M. They're playing really good soccer right now."
The Buffs will be unexpectedly well-rested come Thursday. Colorado traveled to North Carolina for two matches last week but, due to severe weather, was unable to play the Sunday match against then No. 25 NC State.
"I felt that we played well against UNC Greensboro, and it was disappointing not to get the match in with NC State," Sanchez added. "The silver lining is it did give us a little more time to prepare for Denver, which we know will be a battle."
CU has won 12 consecutive matches against the Pioneers, with all but four being a one-goal result. The 12 straight wins are tied for the program's longest active winning streak, along with 12 consecutive decisions over Northern Colorado. The last time Colorado fell to DU was a 3-0 result at Denver on Sept. 15, 2013.
"This is a game both teams circle on their calendar," Sanchez continued. "It's our non-conference rival. What's happened in the past doesn't mean anything. The records don't really mean anything. If you look at the results over the years, we'll have to play good soccer to get a result on Thursday."
Thursday's match marks the first of two at Prentup Field to close the non-conference schedule. The Buffs have protected their home field well this season, outscoring opponents 12-4 with a 3-1-0 record. Colorado has compiled a 6-3-1 record at home in its last 10 matches.
"Our supporters have been fantastic this year," Sanchez expressed. "We expect two more big crowds this weekend. They really energized the group and we don't have a lot of home matches left after this weekend. We really need to take advantage of being at home."
Thad Anderson will have the call for ESPN+ on Thursday.
Fans at Thursday's match will receive a Global Celebration t-shirt while supplies last.
Colorado (4-1-0) moved up four spots in the United Soccer Coaches rankings after its win last week at UNC Greensboro. The Buffs start the week at No. 18 in the nation, their highest ranking since reaching No. 17 in the Oct. 1, 2019 poll.
The Pioneers started the season 0-2-0 but have since won their last four matches, including a 3-2 win at Texas A&M.
"Denver is really on a roll," head coach Danny Sanchez noted. "They had a disappointing result in the second match of the season, but since then have run off four in a row, including a win at Texas A&M. They're playing really good soccer right now."
The Buffs will be unexpectedly well-rested come Thursday. Colorado traveled to North Carolina for two matches last week but, due to severe weather, was unable to play the Sunday match against then No. 25 NC State.
"I felt that we played well against UNC Greensboro, and it was disappointing not to get the match in with NC State," Sanchez added. "The silver lining is it did give us a little more time to prepare for Denver, which we know will be a battle."
CU has won 12 consecutive matches against the Pioneers, with all but four being a one-goal result. The 12 straight wins are tied for the program's longest active winning streak, along with 12 consecutive decisions over Northern Colorado. The last time Colorado fell to DU was a 3-0 result at Denver on Sept. 15, 2013.
"This is a game both teams circle on their calendar," Sanchez continued. "It's our non-conference rival. What's happened in the past doesn't mean anything. The records don't really mean anything. If you look at the results over the years, we'll have to play good soccer to get a result on Thursday."
Thursday's match marks the first of two at Prentup Field to close the non-conference schedule. The Buffs have protected their home field well this season, outscoring opponents 12-4 with a 3-1-0 record. Colorado has compiled a 6-3-1 record at home in its last 10 matches.
"Our supporters have been fantastic this year," Sanchez expressed. "We expect two more big crowds this weekend. They really energized the group and we don't have a lot of home matches left after this weekend. We really need to take advantage of being at home."
Thad Anderson will have the call for ESPN+ on Thursday.
Fans at Thursday's match will receive a Global Celebration t-shirt while supplies last.
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