Senior midfielder Emerson Layne dribbles through a group of Cyclone defenders in the game against Iowa State at Prentup Field on September 25, 2025. (Peter FitzGerald/CU Independent)
The University of Colorado women’s soccer team (9-1-2, 3-0-1 Big 12) upset No. 7 Texas Christian University 3-1 on Oct. 2 in Fort Worth, with all three of their on-target shots finding the net.
While the Buffs’ offense was efficient, scoring three goals on nine attempts, their defense also stood strong, holding the Horned Frogs to one goal on 26 attempts, with goalkeeper Jordan Nytes posting nine saves.
Junior Ava Priest took an early shot for the Buffs, but it went over the top. TCU got out to an early start, with four shot attempts before midfielder Emma Yolinsky found the net in the 16th minute to go up 1-0.
The Horned Frogs were aggressive offensively, putting up 12 shots in the first half and forcing Nytes to make three saves. Nytes has seen more action in the last couple of games, having just faced a physical Houston team last Sunday where she recorded four saves.
“Jordi was unbelievable tonight and showed why she’s an All-American,” said Colorado head coach Danny Sanchez.
Colorado saw fewer chances than their opponent in the first half, with just four shots. However, an opportunity came in the 35th minute when sophomore forward Jace Holley recovered a loose ball from Hope Leyba and found the goal to even the score 1-1.
The second half played much like the first, with TCU registering 14 shot attempts. Nytes continued to be a force in the net, stopping all six of the Horned Frogs’ on-target shots.
Colorado midfielder Emerson Layne had one shot attempt early in the half but it wasn’t on target. Then, in the 57th minute, a long shot from junior Reagan Kotschau deflected off the post and Layne found it for a header to put Colorado up 2-1.
The Buffs kept rolling as Nytes made two more saves before Colorado earned another opportunity in the 64th minute, when Leyba headed the ball from a long pass by sophomore Lexi Meyer to score her 14th goal of the season and extend the lead to 3-1.
From there, Colorado stayed strong defensively to close out the win. Although they didn’t get any more shot attempts, Nytes made another two saves and TCU failed to answer with any goals of their own.
“It was a great night for the Buffs,” Sanchez said. “To go on the road against a top-five RPI team, you’re going to face some adversity, and I was really pleased with how we responded.”
The Buffs will continue their Texas road trip to play the Baylor University Bears (8-1-2, 3-1-0 Big 12) on Oct. 5, with kickoff set for noon. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Contact CU Independent Sports Editor Lila Nuttle at lila.nuttle@colorado.edu
