Buffs Continue Dominance over Denver

DENVER — Colorado soccer extended its winning streak in the Denver Derby to 14 consecutive on Thursday night, besting the Denver Pioneers 2-0 at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium.

Colorado (6-1-1) scored both goals in the first half, on its first two shots on goal, securing the win with a strong defensive performance that limited Denver to just three shots on goal. The victory was highlighted with a shutout from the Colorado goalkeeper, Jordan Nytes, who made one save to preserve her 31st win and 21st clean sheet at Colorado.

"Great performance from the Buffs tonight," head coach Danny Sanchez expressed in the win. "Jace [Holley] gets the early goal, and Vivi [Zacarias] had an absolute world-class strike to make it 2-0. I thought after that, we lost our way a little bit, and Denver was getting forward. We changed our tactics a little bit towards the end of the first half, and in the second half, it was just a professional approach to the match. We managed the game well and probably got unlucky not to get a third [goal] and really kept Denver at bay."

Jace Holley scored the opener and eventual game-winning goal for her eighth of the season. Vivi Zacarias followed with the Buffs' second goal, marking her first collegiate tally. Both goals came in the first 10 minutes on consecutive shots on goal, after not finding the back of the net last time out against Wisconsin.

"I think it was more of a statement, not even to the people watching, but more to us, because we couldn't get those goals in Wisconsin," Zacarias said of the bounce back. "It was like, 'Ok, we're the team that we know can score and that can attack,' and we know that we're great offensively. I think it gave us more confidence to keep going and keep pushing and not give up after the first 10, and after those goals we didn't turn off."

The win was Colorado's 22nd of the series, in 31 matches played since 1997.

"It did live up to it," Zacarias said about the rivalry. "The veterans on our team were telling me this is a big game, so I was really happy and excited to be a part of it, and it lived up to everything."

How it Happened
The opening period saw Colorado assert early dominance with a quick goal in the 4th minute by Holley, assisted by Emerson Layne. Zacarias extended the advantage at the 8th minute, giving Colorado a 2-0 cushion. Nytes wasn't busy in the first half, making one save in the first 45 minutes to maintain the 2-0 lead at the half.

"The goals come in spurts," Sanchez explained. "It doesn't matter if it's the first two minutes or the last two minutes. The first two shots or the last two shots. But obviously, to get the second goal really gave us confidence and put Denver on its heels."

The second period began with intense pressure from the Buffaloes, as Holley took an early shot at the 46th minute, setting the tone for a period filled with offensive attempts. Layne and Jordan Whiteaker both tested Denver's defense.

Colorado consistently threatened throughout the second half with four more corner attempts. Hope Leyba led the team, getting three of her game-high seven shots.

Thursday served as the final non-conference game for the Buffaloes before they move on to conference play.

"We're pleased with the [overall] performance," Sanchez added. "We wanted momentum going into Big 12 play and to beat our local rival at their place, in front of a great crowd. It gives us a lot of confidence, and now it's all about Kansas State next Thursday."

Up Next
Looking ahead, the Buffs will host Kansas State on September 18 at 7 p.m. at Prentup Field.

For more information on Colorado Soccer, please visit cubuffs.com/soccer. Fans of the Buffs can follow @cubuffssoccer on Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook.

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Team Stats

Jace Holley

Vivi Zacarias

Emerson Layne

Hope Leyba

Players Mentioned

Jace Holley

Emerson Layne

Hope Leyba

Jordan Nytes

Jordan Whiteaker

Vivi Zacarias

Players Mentioned

Jace Holley

Emerson Layne

Hope Leyba

Jordan Nytes

Jordan Whiteaker

Vivi Zacarias