Buffs Fall To Kansas Following Late Goal

Sunday, October 11

Boulder, Colo.

1 p.m.

Colorado

9-4-1, 3-3-0

Kansas

10-3-1, 4-1-1

Team	1	2	Final F
Kansas	0	1	1
Colorado	0	0	0

October 11, 2026 | Soccer

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By: Marcelo Brant, Athletic Communications Student Assistant

BOULDER – Kansas narrowly defeated the Colorado Buffaloes soccer team 1-0 Sunday at Prentup Field, with the Jayhawks scoring the game-winning goal with just six minutes remaining.

The loss snapped the Buffaloes' 14-match win streak, a program record set against Baylor on Thursday, as well as their 23-game home unbeaten streak dating back to Oct. 13, 2024.

The result moved Colorado's record to 9-4-1 and 3-3-0 in the Big 12, while the Jayhawks improved to 10-3-1, 4-1-1.

"It was always going to be a tight game like this, and we knew it," Head Coach Danny Sanchez said. "Kansas plays a style that it's tough to find a rhythm in, and credit to them, they found the goal."

KU's defense proved tough for the Buffs to crack, as the Jayhawks were able to stymie CU's attack, including forward Hope Leyba.

"They double team every time you get the ball, and they just kick it down the field, so it makes it hard to play," Leyba said. "I thought it was a hard game. They're good, and we just didn't finish our chances when we needed to."

The match was a tight physical battle, with both teams combining for 17 fouls. Kansas secured the victory with a goal from midfielder Marit McLaughlin in the 84th minute.

Despite KU finishing ahead on the scoresheet, the Buffs held a 13-12 advantage in shots. Both squads recorded three shots on goal, with Colorado leading Kansas 4-3 in corner kicks.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Out of the gate, the Jayhawks dominated possession, totaling three shots within the first 20 minutes.

Struggling to finish early, the Buffaloes' first attempt on goal came in the 23rd minute, with a near Leyba header just over the crossbar.

As the first half continued, Colorado looked to capitalize on opportunities. In the 32nd minute, Kotschau fired a rocket from outside the box that went over the crossbar. Two minutes later, Leyba had an additional shot from the same spot, missing just to the right.

The Buffs' best chance of the game came in the 42nd minute when midfielder Reagan Kotschau delivered a corner kick to the head of Faith Leyba, who sent it to Hope Leyba, whose header attempt clanged off the top left corner of the crossbar.

At halftime, the teams remained level, securing five shots each, though neither team recorded a shot on goal. The Jayhawks held a 3-2 advantage in corner kicks.

As the second half progressed, neither team was able to capitalize on limited chances. The Buffaloes were unable to convert a corner kick, while a Jayhawks shot was saved by goalkeeper Brooke Goerish in the 72nd minute, her first of the entire game.

With both teams still looking to find the scoreboard, Kansas finally broke the stalemate in the 84th minute. Surrounded by CU defenders in the box, forward Jordan Rowan found McLaughlin at the top of the box, and the midfielder delivered a strike to the top center of the net, sealing the 1-0 win for KU.

UP NEXT: The Buffaloes will open a three-game road stretch Friday, Oct. 16, traveling to Manhattan, Kan., to face Kansas State. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.

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