CU Buffs Soccer Advances to Sweet 16 After Stunning Victory

BREAKING: The Colorado Buffaloes women’s soccer team has surged into the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament after a commanding 3-0 victory against Xavier, highlighted by a spectacular 40-yard goal from Hope Leyba. This win marks the Buffs’ first Sweet 16 appearance since 2013 and only the third in program history.

Coach Danny Sanchez expressed his awe during the match, particularly at Leyba’s stunning strike in the 87th minute, which added an emphatic finish to an already dominant performance. “What a classy goal from Hope,” Sanchez stated. “It really took the heat and the pressure off us.”

The Buffs, now with an impressive record of 17-3-3, will face the second-seeded Michigan State Spartans in a critical matchup on Sunday at 11 a.m. MT in East Lansing. This clash will take place on the Spartans’ home turf, where both teams previously drew 1-1 earlier in the season.

“It’s not about us. We’re doing this for our seniors,” Sanchez emphasized, highlighting the importance of this moment for players like Leyba, who has set a team record with 22 goals this season. The stakes are high, as the Buffs aim for their first Elite Eight berth.

CU’s journey to this point has not been without its challenges, particularly in the NCAA Tournament, where they hold a 2-10 record in true road games. However, last year’s first-round victory at Georgia, along with the current momentum, has instilled a sense of confidence in the squad.

Key players to watch include Leyba, who leads the team with her remarkable scoring ability, and goalkeeper Jordan Nytes, who set a tournament record with 12 saves against Xavier, bringing her NCAA Tournament career total to 35 saves.

The Buffs are savoring this moment, with the opportunity to advance in a competitive field of only 16 teams left in the tournament. Should they secure a win against Michigan State, they could potentially host another game at their home field, Prentup Field, depending on the outcome of the Stanford-BYU matchup.

As anticipation builds, both teams are preparing for a fierce competition. “Michigan State’s a two seed for a reason. We’ll be ready on Sunday,” Sanchez concluded, underscoring the urgency and stakes involved in this pivotal matchup.

Stay tuned for updates on this thrilling tournament run as the Buffs take on the Spartans this Sunday!