BOULDER —
The
University of Colorado men and women soccer teams go head-to-head with in-state
rival, Colorado State University in what is sure to be a fight to the finish.
With
school starting a week later than usual this year, both teams are scrambling to
get in as much practice possible before their matchup with the Rams.
“Preparing
for this match has been difficult only because of the later start date for
school - we simply won't be match fit,” said men’s Head Coach David Vaughan. “We had our camp earlier
in August which gave many of the players a chance to re-familiarize themselves
with each other. We also have many players returning from last year so it
won't take much time for everyone to get back in sync.”
Last season,
the Buffs tied Colorado State in the their first matchup 0-0. As the season
progressed, CU was able to comeback and defeat the Rams twice, ending the
season with a 2-0-1 mark against CSU. This
year the competition has reached a new level, as both teams have grown
accustomed to each other’s technique and are ready to battle for the big W.
“There are
so many players from each side of the field that know each other and have
played with and against each other over the years,” said Vaughan. “The guys
really look forward to all of our matches against CSU. Getting motivated
to play them - whether its the Rocky Mountain College Cup or in a friendly
way as we prepare for Nationals - is an easy task.”
The
women’s team tied the Rams 1-1, twice in the 2011 season. This year the team
hopes to succeed the rival team by working harder in practice and being more
mentally prepared for the game.
The
women’s team will begin the evening at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, September 7,
followed by the men, who will take the field at 7:30 p.m. Both games will be
held at Dick’s Sporting Good Park.
Tickets
to the Rocky Mountain College Cup are $20 and can be purchased at www.rapidstix.com/rockymtcollegecup.
Packages include not only admission to the CU vs. CSU soccer matches, but also
an upcoming 2012 Colorado Rapids soccer game.
As a
special incentive, $5 of every ticket purchased will be donated back to the CU
or CSU Club Soccer Program of your choice.
For more
information on the teams and to view their schedules for the upcoming season,
visit their websites at cumenssoccer.com and cusoccer.net.
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