Colorado
1-0-0, 0-0-0
Drake
0-1-0, 0-0-0
Buffs Get Strong Start to 2019
August 22, 2019 | Soccer
Kornieck and Zuniga help Buffs to 2-0 win over Drake
BOULDER – The spotlight shined bright on three of Colorado's senior captains on Thursday night. Taylor Kornieck, Stephanie Zuniga and Jalen Tompkins each had a hand in the Buffaloes 2-0 season-opening win over Drake at Prentup Field.
The game was a milestone marker for two Buffs. Tompkins moved into first all-time in wins at CU now with 38. The game also marked head coach Danny Sanchez's 500th of his coaching career.
The Buffs struck twice in the second half with goals from Kornieck and Zuniga. Kornieck led the team in chances with six total shots on the night. CU controlled the tempo throughout the night, outshooting Drake 14-2.
Colorado got going right out of the gate, putting the pressure on Drake early in the first half. The Buffs put up nine shots in the first 45 minutes, limiting the Bulldogs just a single shot. Senior Tatum Barton got the first shot of the night in the second minute. Tessa Barton entered the game as a sub midway through the period and picked up CU's first shot on goal in the 40th minute.
How it happened
Drake had a shot on net in the opening minutes of the second but that turned out to be the only shot for the Bulldogs in the half. The Buffs took control from there.
CU got on the board in the 50th minute as Zuniga and Kornieck combined for the goal. A long centering pass from Zuniga was placed perfectly on the head of Kornieck who beat the Drake keeper to the ball at the top of the goal area. The ball floated high toward the upper left corner, dropping just past the goal line.
The duo combined again on CU's second goal just two minutes later. Kornieck controlled the ball at the top of the goal circle and fed Zuniga down the left side of the box. The Drake keeper came out and challenged for the ball but missed and deflected the ball back to Zuniga who had the wide-open net.
Key Statistics: The Buffs dominated in every aspect of the game on Thursday. Colorado outshot Drake by 12 and led in shots on goal, 4-2. Tompkins had a quiet day in net needing to make only two saves in the shutout.
BY THE NUMBERS:
Colorado
Goals: 2
Shots: 14
Fouls: 11
Saves: 2
Drake
Goals: 0
Shots: 2
Fouls: 12
Saves: 2
Up Next: The Buffs continue their opening stretch at home, playing their first six matches at Prentup Field. Boston University will be in town on Sunday (noon).
Notes: Colorado is now 18-4-1 all-time in its home opener…It is the fourth consecutive season the Buffs have not allowed a goal in the opener…CU improved to 3-0 all-time against Drake…Kornieck's goal was the 28th of her career…her assist was her 19th of her career…Kornieck now has 75 career points, three shy of tying Katie Griffin for third all-time…Roo Yarnell-Williams got the start at forward in her first collegiate match…six freshmen total saw the field for the Buffs.
Quotes
Head coach Danny Sanchez
On overall thoughts
"I was impressed with Drake. I thought they possessed the ball well. They didn't fade at altitude. We limited their opportunities. They had two shots on goal that JJ [Tompkins] dealt with pretty easily. It was unfortunate to not get one earlier in the game, but the problem is we have been in these early season games where we are pressing. It was key for Taylor [Kornieck] to get that goal early in the second half and to slip one into Stephanie [Zuniga] to get the second goal. That kind of took the pressure off and allowed us, with the exception of the goalkeepers, to play all our healthy players. That was great for our first game, but bigger tests are coming up."
On Stephanie Zuniga
"She is a fifth-year senior and has been through it. We talk about it a lot. It is now or never. Sometimes your best moment is your first game your freshman year. Sometimes it is in your fifth year. We know she is a really good player. She had a good game today. A great service and a nice goal. There will be bigger challenges ahead. I'm pleased with the first game and excited for Sunday."
On Improvements
"We need to improve in the final third. We got into good spots, but the service or finish wasn't quite there. We were a little impatient. There is more pressure when you are on the field, but we need to be a little more decisive in the final third. We had 14 shots, but only four on goal. I think we need to be more efficient when we get into those spots."
Senior Stephanie Zuniga
On this being her ideal start to her senior year
"I couldn't ask for anything better, honestly. This is kind of what I envisioned leading up to this season and this day. We've talked about this in the preseason and the spring season, about how many days away gameday is--so for it to finally be here and to get an assist and a goal, it's special. Hopefully, I can keep that going and transfer it over to the next game and just take it game by game."
On embracing a bigger and more important role this year as a senior
"Coming off the bench or starting it doesn't matter. Whatever minutes I get I'm grateful for, but it being my last year it's different. I came to the realization that this is it. I'm just trying to make the most of it with my teammates and just enjoying it and having fun. I'm just embracing the fact that we need people to step up. Taylor [Kornieck] can't do it all so it's nice to be able to give her a hand and help her out."
Team Stats
Taylor Kornieck (1)
Assisted By: Stephanie Zuniga
GOAL by CU Kornieck, Taylor Assist by Zuniga, Stephanie.
49:02
Stephanie Zuniga (1)
Assisted By: Taylor Kornieck
GOAL by CU Zuniga, Stephanie Assist by Kornieck, Taylor.
50:58
