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Cowgirls surprise Buffs at home
The Wyoming Cowgirls put an end to a promising start to the season by nipping the Colorado Buffaloes 1-0 at Prentup Field in Boulder.
It was CU’s first loss of the 2011 season, and the Buffs dropped to 2-1-0.
Colorado used its momentum from last week’s Colorado Cup tournament victory, and came out strong against the visiting Cowgirls. Despite their efforts, CU failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities and fell to Wyoming for just the second time in 10 matches. It was also Colorado’s first loss to Wyoming at home.
“[The loss] just gets us back to reality,” CU head coach Bill Hempen said. “We were flying high, scoring eight goals in two games, and you have these kinds of games. You have an opponent who knows their chances are going to be limited, and they have a plan to try and win by one. [Wyoming] did it.”
The Buffs created chances early on, putting up 10 shots to Wyoming’s seven in the first half. Midfielder Kate Russell led the CU offense with three first half shots, including the first two of the game.
Colorado had a chance to take the lead 21 minutes in when freshman Darcy Jerman forced Wyoming keeper Courtney Merkle to make a diving save. Jerman got the ball right back and hit the post.
Both teams were looking for the first goal of the game, and came out aggressive in the second half. That first goal proved to be the most important of the afternoon, as it would become the game-winner.
Just eight minutes in, CU goalkeeper Annie Brunner misplayed a ball straight to the feet of Wyoming forward Sara Paul. Paul was able to take a quick touch before burying her shot to put Wyoming up 1-0.
“Obviously it was my fault, so it’s pretty devastating to lose 1-0. I’ll go home, reflect, obviously a terrible goal, so it won’t happen again,” Brunner said.
The Buffs didn’t give up, and worked tirelessly to score. Colorado ended up outshooting Wyoming 22-9, but couldn’t find the back of the net.
The Buffs will head to the Midwest for their first road trip of the season on Thursday. They attempt to even up their records against Purdue on Friday and Illinois on Sunday.
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