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CU scores but falls
Colorado’s road woes continued on Sunday, but the team finally found a way to score and provide some hope for an upcoming home match with an in-state rival.
The Buffs ended there two game scoring drought, but lost 3-2 in a tight game against No. 17 Illinois.
Colorado took advantage of two Illinois fouls late in the first 45 minutes. Midfielder Kate Russell was chosen to take the second free kick 20 yards out from Illinois keeper Steph Panozzo. Russell was familiar with the situation, as it was a play she has practiced and prepared for.
“Kate was pretty excited [about the free kick], because she’s been working on it for probably three years,” CU head coach Bill Hempen said.
Russell sent a blazing shot past Panozzo, and the Buffs took a 1-0 lead with eight minutes left in the half.
CU came out looking sharp in the second half and had a couple of opportunities before Illinois tied it up.
The game went to 1-1 after Illinois’ Marissa Mykines scored an unassisted goal at the 50 minute mark. Mykines was able to catch CU keeper Annie Brunner off balance to score her third of the season.
Colorado came back and scored its second goal that stemmed from another Illinois foul. CU took a free kick from outside of the box, but was awarded a penalty kick when an Illini player was called for a hand ball from the ensuing kick. Amy Barczuk put CU’s first PK in the top-right quadrant, and Colorado had a 2-1 lead 67 minutes in.
With under 19 minutes remaining in the game, Illinois’ Niki Read played a slow pass five yards into Colorado’s box where teammate Vanessa DiBernardo was able to one-touch the ball past Brunner to tie the game, 2-2. Three minutes later, DiBernardo picked up a loose ball and scored to give Illinois a 3-2 lead. Her eighth goal of the season would be the game-winner.
Colorado returns home to play DU at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Prentup Field in Boulder.
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