Soccer Tops Memphis 2-1 On Sunday

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The University of Colorado women's soccer team extended its winning streak to five games as they topped the University of Memphis 2-1 here Sunday afternoon.

Colorado (5-1-1) captured its second-straight come-from-behind victory on a pair of second-half goals, handing Memphis (3-2-1) its second lost of the season.

"Friday we won with a lot of determination and really good play, and today we won with what was left," said head coach Bill Hempen. "I am pretty sure that they are exhausted right now and while it wasn't particularly pretty, we did enough."

The Tigers opened the game up late in the first half, breaking through the Colorado defense and getting on the board by way of a Melissa Smith goal. Smith took a pass on the right side of the Colorado goal and shot the ball past CU keeper Kirstin Radlinski from 10 yards out, giving Memphis a 1-0 lead going into halftime.

The Buffaloes dominated the first half stats as they outshot the Tigers nine to four. Despite a number of CU scoring opportunities, forcing Tiger goalkeeper Elise Kuhar-Pitters to pick up three saves in the half, the Buffs were scoreless after 45 minutes of play.

Colorado showed no sign of letting up and continued to pressure the Memphis defense as the second half got underway. The Buffs were awarded a penalty kick in the 52nd minute of the game and CU senior Alex Cousins stepped up to take the shot. Cousins, having converted her previous penalty kick attempt this season against James Madison, buried the ball in the left side of the net, tying the game at 1-1.

Twenty minutes later, the Buffs would take the lead when freshman Kelly Butler took on a defender down the left side of the box. Butler took a touch inside and, initially looking for a cross, she sent a high ball toward the goal that went right over the goalkeepers hands, giving CU the 2-1 lead. Butler now owns two goals and two assists on the season for six points, making her CU's second-leading scorer along with senior Amber Bettenhausen.

"I think we came into the second half a little more aggressive on the offensive end, which didn't allow them to get their attack going," said Hempen. "We played with just enough urgency and persistence from our attackers and midfielders, but we still have to get better on Sundays."

The Buffaloes' current five-game win streak is the longest since 2004 when CU had a pair of six-game winning streaks that season.

"It feels good to have a winning streak going on but we need to work on not chasing the game," said Butler. "We can't always be playing catch-up. We have to focus on getting goals early and improving in the beginning of the game"

Colorado will now return home to Boulder and prepare for the seventh annual Colorado Soccer Classic presented by Qdoba Mexican Grill. The Buffaloes play host to Denver, Fresno State and Gonzaga on Sept. 19-21 at Prentup Field in Boulder.

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Team Stats

Alex Cousins

Kelly Butler

Nikki Marshall

Kate Russell

Players Mentioned

Amber Bettenhausen

Kelly Butler

Alex Cousins

Kirstin Radlinski

Players Mentioned

Amber Bettenhausen

Kelly Butler

Alex Cousins

Kirstin Radlinski