Colorado Set for First Road Test

ALBUQUERQUE—The 5-1-0 Colorado Buffaloes hit the road this week for the first time in 2023. The team will make the short trip down to New Mexico to take on the Lobos on Thursday night (7:30 p.m. MT).

Colorado has won four consecutive matches since dropping a tight contest to Marquette on opening weekend. It marks the Buffs' longest winning streak since starting the 2019 season with six straight wins.

One of the keys to CU's early-season success has been the team's ability to find the net. The Buffs are averaging 2.0 goals per game on 8.0 shots on goal per game through six games this season. Colorado has had 10 players contribute at least one point this season, compared to 16 players all last season.

Now it's time to get it done away from Prentup Field

"I think going to a place where there's a very good support and a great atmosphere energizes both teams," head coach Danny Sanchez explained. "Everyone wants to play in a good atmosphere and we're going to have a good atmosphere on Thursday. We will have to match the intensity of New Mexico and play our best soccer to get a result."

The Buffs haven't ventured south on I-25 in quite some. The last time CU visited UNM was in the 2003 season. Colorado is 2-0-1 all-time against the Lobos with the last meeting resulting in a 4-0 win in Boulder in 2015.

New Mexico (2-0-2) started the season with back-to-back draws against Texas Tech and Northern Arizona. They have since picked up wins over Cal State Fullerton and San Diego.

"They are a very good team," Sanchez added. "They compete every year for a Mountain West championship and an NCAA Tournament bid. They are especially difficult at home. They are unbeaten at home in their last 10 matches, which is probably close to one of the longest streaks in the country. It's a huge challenge for us on Thursday."

The friendly confines of Prentup Field have been good to the Buffs early on, but a change in scenery for the Buffs could be coming at the right time.

"It's going to be a different start to the game, but we're ready," fifth-year senior Amaya Gonzalez said after Sunday's win.

Thursday's match will be streamed on the Mountain West Network and CUBuffs.com/WatchSoc.

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Players Mentioned

Amaya Gonzalez