Two Leyba Goals Power Buffs to Draw

Monday, October 20

Provo, UT

6 p.m.

Colorado

11-2-3, 5-1-2

BYU

8-4-3, 3-3-2

Colorado

BYU

Photo by: CUBuffs.com

October 20, 2025 | Soccer

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Faith and Hope each scored for Colorado on Monday night

By: Seth Pringle, Athletic Communications

PROVO, Utah — Back-to-back goals from Faith and Hope Leyba helped No. 21 Colorado play to a 2-2 draw at BYU on Monday at South Field. The two goals from the twins came just 39 seconds apart in a fast-paced, chaotic first half.

All the scoring on Monday night took place in the first 45 minutes. The Cougars claimed the 1-0 advantage in the 16th minute. Then the Buffs swung the momentum in the 23rd minute, with Faith Leyba getting the equalizer for the Buffs and then Hope Leyba scoring the goal-ahead goal before BYU knew what struck them.

"I was really pleased with how we responded after giving up the goal in the first 15 minutes," head coach Danny Sanchez stated after the draw. "Faith scores on a second phase of a long throw-in from Ava and then you know 40 seconds later, a quality finish from Hope and it's 2-1. BYU was putting on the pressure so they get a well deserved equalizer, and a nice finish from them.

"Sometimes a 2-2 feels like a 2-2 game. This one felt like a 5-5 game. I thought both teams were really going after the victory all the way to the 90th minute, but neither side was able to find that game-winner."

Jordan Nytes proved to be a big reason why BYU couldn't find a third goal. She made four of her seven saves in the second half as BYU outshot the Buffs 12-8 in the second frame.

"As anyone knows this is a tough place to come," Sanchez added. "Sold out crowd. It's a tough atmosphere. I think this bodes well for us going forward. I was really pleased with how we responded. I thought our midfield play today was some of the best we had all year. Vivi [Zacarias], Reagan [Kotschau], Ava [Priest] and them Emerson [Layne] when she dropped in. Like I said, at the end of it, both teams were going for it."

How it Happened
Nytes was called into action early, making a diving save to her left just 1:39 into the action.

BYU took the lead in the 15th minute with a goal from Ellie Walbruch, but it didn't last long.

F. Leyba equalized in the 22nd minute with as the flip throw into the box from Ava Priest found Leyba's feet and she turned and booted a left-footed effort into the far corner.

Not to be outdone, H. Leyba avoided the collision between BYU keeper Paiton Collins and her own defender, corralling the loose ball that popped out of Collins' hands just off the penalty arc and found the empty net to put Colorado ahead 2-1. The back-to-back goals register as the third quickest consecutive scores in CU history. It's the second time the twins sisters have scored in the same match since 2023.

The momentum shifted again when BYU's Mia Goettsche scored in the 28th minute to level the match at 2-2.

The numbers at the half were even across the board. Both teams had five shots on goal and 11 total shots. Both the Buffs and Cougars attempted two corner kicks in the first 45 minutes.

The second half began with Colorado maintaining pressure early, as Reagan Kotschau attempted a shot just two minutes in. But from there BYU tilted the pitch a bit, recording the next five shots attempts, but the CU defense held its ground blocking three of the five attempts.

Kotschau almost snuck in an Olympico in the 61st minute, testing the BYU's backup goalkeeper Chelsea Peterson, who came in for an injured Collins right before the corner attempt.

Emerson Layne and Jace Holley continued to challenge the BYU defense with shots on goal, but both were saved, keeping the score level. Nytes was crucial in net, key saves, including a notable stop against Emma Neff in the 84th minute.

Up Next
Looking ahead, the Buffaloes are set to host Texas Tech on Thursday, Oct. 23, at Prentup Field. The matchup will begin at 7 p.m. MT.

Notes
Faith's goal was her first of the season…Hope's goal was her 15th of the season, tying Shyra James for second on CU's single-season goal list…She also became just the sixth player in CU history to reach 30 points in a season, jumping into third on the least with 31 points this season…Priest's assist was her third of the year…The draw slates the Buffs fifth in the conference standings with 17 points, but just three points behind first-place Texas Tech.

For more information on Colorado soccer, please visit cubuffs.com/soccer. Fans of the Buffs can follow @cubuffssoccer on Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook.