Phoenix, Ariz. (11/21/11)– The University of Colorado women’s club soccer team lost 2-1 to the University of Texas in the round of 16 of the NCCS National Championship.
The Buffaloes got off to a hot start in the tournament, beating Virginia and Cornell in convincing fashion to win their pool. The Buffs’ beat Virginia 2-0 thanks to goals from Becky Santiago and Taylor Frankel. Colorado bested Cornell 1-0, the only goal of the game was scored by Paige Polesovsky.
After winning their pool the Buffaloes advanced to the round of 16 to face the Texas Longhorns. The Longhorns struck first, scoring a goal in the 25th minute. CU responded, scoring in the 32nd minute of the first half with a goal from Taylor Frankel assisted by Alexis Keeney. The second half was a defensive battle, and regulation ended with the score 1-1.
In overtime, the Longhorns were able to find the back of the net with 5 minutes remaining. The final whistle sounded with the score 2-1 in favor of Texas.
The game was as close on paper as it was on the field. Texas had 9 shots, 8 of which were on goal. Colorado shot 8 times, 6 of which were on goal.
“It was a very even game that went back and forth, with a lot of speed and psychical play by both teams,” said CU head coach Dorian Barnes. “It was a well-played game, I couldn’t be more proud of this team. They performed at a very high level, you just sometimes don’t get the lucky breaks when you need them.”
While everyone on the team is disappointed with their early departure, the team is still proud of what they accomplished this year.
“My overall feelings on this year’s teams are all positive,” said Barnes. “We really built up a nice season not being scored upon since our game verses Cal Poly on Oct. 9 and then not again until our final game verses Texas. This loss will motivate us to put in the work during the offseason and during next season in order to improve upon our finish this year.”
The University of California Santa Barbara defeated Cal Poly 1-0 to win the NCCS National Championship.
For more information on Colorado women’s club soccer visit their website at www.cusoccer.net
