Zamorano’s First Collegiate Goal Nets A Game-Winner

Wednesday, August 12

Boulder, Colo.

7 p.m.

Colorado

1-0-0, 0-0-0

Colorado State

0-1-0, 0-0-0

Team	1	2	Final F
Colorado St.	0	1	1
Colorado	1	1	2

Zamorano’s First Collegiate Goal Nets A Game-Winner

August 13, 2026 | Soccer

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By: Marcelo Brant de Carvalho, Student Assistant

BOULDER – Colorado opened the 2026 season with a 2-1 home win against in-state rival Colorado State on Wednesday, overcoming rainy conditions at Prentup Field.

CU entered Wednesday's matchup with a victory over Utah in an exhibition match, but the game against CSU marked the official start to the season.

After finishing the 2025 campaign with a CU program record of 17 wins, the Buffaloes picked up right where they left off, with goals by Reagan Kotschau and Lilian Zamorano – who recorded her first collegiate goal.

"That means a lot to me," said Zamorano. "I was trying to score so bad last year; now I'm even more happy."

Zamorano also highlighted the team's chemistry.

"I think we like bonding as a group," she said. "We like supporting each other. Like, I'm just happy with all our teammates."

This Wednesday night matchup marked the first official meeting between the two programs since 2021, when a lightning delay forced the match to be declared a no contest, despite the Buffaloes' 3-0 advantage at the 51st minute.

Despite Wednesday's match also being affected by a weather delay, the teams completed the full 90 minutes, and the Buffaloes emerged victorious.

"I'm glad we got the match in, and I really appreciate the fans sticking it out an hour and a half wait," said head coach Danny Sanchez. "I thought we played really well in the first 30 minutes of the game."

Sanchez also mentioned areas in which the team needs to improve.

"We created a majority of our chances after the equalizer, so we need to play with a little bit of that urgency," he said. "They scored a good goal, but I'm really pleased with how we battled back and won."

The chief strategist also commented on the competition for the starting goalkeeper role between junior Jamie Campbell, Texas Tech transfer Madeline Mueller and freshman Brooke Goerish.

"This is a three-woman competition," said Sanchez. "At some point, does someone step ahead? Maybe, maybe not, we'll see. But we're going to play our best players."

How It Happened

The home crowd at Prentup Field saw the match kickoff under heavy rain at 8:33 p.m., after an hour-and-a-half weather delay due to lightning in the area.

The Buffaloes started fast, with a dangerous header by Faith Leyba after two minutes of play, which sailed just over the crossbar.

As Colorado continued to create chances in the box, the team's first goal came in the 15th minute. Kotschau chipped the ball into the back of the net after passes from Hope Leyba and Sloane Philips, both credited with an assist.

Colorado maintained consistent offensive pressure throughout the first half but was only able to convert one of its chances. The Rams generated more opportunities as the opening 45 minutes wound down, but the Buffs kept them off the scoreboard.

By halftime, the Buffaloes had recorded 11 shots, with three shots on goal, compared to eight by Colorado State, with two on goal. Campbell stepped up to the starting role in the first half following the departure of All-American Jordan Nytes and recorded three saves.

The Buffs carried their attacking momentum into the second half, quickly putting the Rams back under pressure. Caley Swierenga registered a pair of shots on goal in the opening 10 minutes, but CSU goalkeeper Addison Huber stood tall on both attempts, preventing Colorado from extending its lead.

In the 66th minute, Rams forward Ava St. Wallhead leveled the score, slotting a shot into the bottom right corner after a pass by Kaja Dionne.

Despite the setback, Colorado did not stop creating chances. Ruby Hayward and Michaela McGowan both recorded shots on goal soon after CSU equalized.

As the team kept pushing forward, Zamorano ultimately put the Buffs back on top in the 76th minute. After CSU attempted to clear the danger, Zamorano collected the loose ball well outside the box. Seeing an opportunity, the CU defender blasted the ball past the Rams goalkeeper, notching her first career goal and sealing the 2-1 win.

The Colorado Buffaloes soccer team will continue its home stand against Army, Aug. 16 at 12 p.m., looking to extend its win streak.

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