The University of Colorado Boulder’s women’s soccer team celebrates a goal in the game against Iowa State at Prentup Field on September 25, 2025. (Peter FitzGerald/CU Independent)
The Colorado Buffaloes soccer team looks to extend its perfect home record on Friday, welcoming an in-state rival, the Denver Pioneers.
Colorado has won two straight games and enters at 5-1-1. Colorado is coming into the match averaging 2.57 goals and 17.9 shots per game while allowing 0.86 goals per game.
This year marks Denver’s first season in the West Coast Conference. The Pioneers are 1-3-2, coming off a 2-0 win over Montana for their first win of the season. This in-state rivalry will make for a competitive match.
Stars to Watch
Colorado’s valuable senior midfielder Reagan Kotschau will be a name to watch Friday. She’s totaled five goals, 18 shots and 13 points through the season thus far. With her constant high pressure and impressive midfield playmaking, Kotschau will be a huge threat to the Pioneers’ defense.
Another senior star to look out for is forward Hope Leyba. Leyba is a very tough forward who consistently makes strong runs down the sides to create lanes for teammates. Her speed and defensive ability could help create scoring opportunities for the Buffaloes and put more pressure on Denver.
Sophomore Ruby Hayward has only played a total of 58 minutes this season, but she’s quick to get the ball and acts as a strong passer, always finding who’s open.
For Denver, senior midfielder Kera Nguyen is a veteran and sets the tone for the Pioneers. She can tear across the field and impact transitions throughout the game.
Freshman forward Caitlin Staats is a three-star recruit and already has two points this season. She is a huge threat in Denver’s attack line and generates lots of shot attempts. An essential piece to Denver’s backline, senior defender Nora Zelazny has a strong ability to shut down passing lanes and may quickly stop Boulder’s offense.
CU’s Attack Meets DU’s Defense
When comparing this matchup, CU’s offense outweights Denver’s. The Buffs average 17.9 shots per game, while DU averages 10.8. CU has more attacking power, scoring opportunities and offensive options, while DU struggles with consistent finishing and generating attacks. The Buffs could have a very significant offensive advantage by creating pressure and scoring chances.
The opening 15 minutes is when CU takes the most shots, as well as the mid-first half, while Denver focuses heavily on closing the central corridors of the pitch. The Pioneers shift laterally as a collective block to force opposing teams wide. Denver’s head coach, Julianne Sitch, likes the team to play with a “shutout mentality.”
Bragging Rights are on the Line
Friday will be the latest installment in a match-up played every season between Colorado and Denver for the last 20-plus years. CU holds the all-time advantage in the series, 22-8-1.
The Pioneers have the opportunity to challenge their in-state rival and prove they can compete against a powerful offense. For CU, a win would continue their dominance in this rivalry and keep their undefeated home record intact, while DU looks to pull off an upset and earn bragging rights.
DU’s organized defense and discipline will combat Colorado’s constant shots and advantage in corner kicks.
Overall, the biggest question heading into the match is whether DU’s defense can contain CU’s high-powered attack and give its offense enough opportunities to pull off the upset. This match is set to begin at 7 p.m. MT at Prentup Field (Boulder, CO) and will stream on ESPN+.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Ruby Schnier at rusc1486@colorado.edu
