Colorado forward Hope Leyba shoots the ball to lift CU to a 1-0 win over Houston at Prentup Field on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. (Lila Nuttle/CU Independent)
The University of Colorado Buffaloes soccer team defeated the University of Houston Cougars 1-0 behind a late goal from junior forward Hope Leyba, coming off her second hat trick of the season against Iowa State University. Defensively, goalkeeper Jordan Nytes recorded her fourth shutout of the season with four saves against the Cougars.
The first half proved to be a back-and-forth battle. Colorado and Houston each had five and eight shots in the half, and Colorado forward Jace Holley led the way with three shots on goal during the half.
Junior Reagan Kotschau had an early shot on goal for the Buffs in the ninth minute, but it was saved by the Houston keeper. Midfielder Ava Priest also had an opportunity in the 27th minute, but the ball sailed over the top bar.
The Cougars were able to get past the Colorado defense and Nytes in the 40th minute, but the goal was called offside and the score remained 0-0 going into halftime.
It was a physical game, with three yellow cards issued against the Buffs. Notably, Colorado head coach Danny Sanchez got one in the 43rd minute after a confrontation with the referees over missed calls.
The Buffs came out hot in the second half, with five shots to Houston’s two. Holley had another early shot on goal, followed by two more shots from Hope Leyba and Priest in the next 10 minutes. However, both teams remained scoreless going into the final minutes of the game.
With the clock winding down, Colorado leveled up the attack and Hope Leyba found the net off an assist from her sister Faith Leyba in the 85th minute.
Houston was unable to answer in the last few minutes of play, and the Buffs won 1-0.
Nytes saw a more physical game than usual, with four saves, including one off a Houston free kick in the second half.
“There was definitely more action than the last couple of games. I just had to keep myself checked in, keep myself composed,” said Nytes. “[Our] defense played really well. I’m proud of them.”
Sanchez lauded his team’s defensive efforts and perseverance.
“I thought we dealt with their attacking players well, and I was really pleased about how we played in the second half. ” said Sanchez. “I felt [the goal] was a matter of time.”
Contact CU Independent Sports Editor Lila Nuttle at lila.nuttle@colorado.edu
