Colorado Looks To Carry Home Opener Momentum

BOULDER—The Colorado Buffaloes soccer team continues its three-game homestand against Army West Point on Sunday, Aug. 16, at noon at Prentup Field.

The Buffs return to Prentup after defeating in-state rival Colorado State 2-1 in Wednesday's season opener. Reagan Kotschau opened the scoring for Colorado, while Lilian Zamorano netted the eventual game-winner.

Army arrives in Boulder coming off a 4-1 loss to Air Force in its season debut at the Service Academy Showdown. Junior Daisy West accounted for the Black Knights' lone goal. Air Force outshot Army 20-8, including an 8-3 advantage in shots on goal, and held a 9-3 edge in corner kicks.

Despite Thursday's result, Colorado head coach Danny Sanchez knows the Buffs will face a formidable opponent on Sunday. Army won the Patriot League last season and enters 2026 as the conference favorite.

"We're excited for Army this weekend," Sanchez said. "They won the Patriot League last year. They're the favorites again this year."

Familiar Face on the Opposing Sideline

Sunday's matchup will feature a familiar face for the Buffaloes. Army head coach Tracy Chao previously served as an assistant coach at Colorado, giving the two programs an added connection.

The Black Knights are one of several defending conference champions on Colorado's nonconference schedule. Army joins Western Michigan, Cal State Fullerton, and Utah State among the teams on CU's slate that won their respective leagues last season.

Sanchez sees the challenging early-season schedule as an important part of preparing the Buffs for Big 12 play.

"These are all very good teams that a majority will probably be in the NCAA Tournament again this year," Sanchez said. "I think we set it up pretty well as we lead into the Big 12."

Despite the future trials, Colorado's focus remains squarely on Sunday.

"We've got to take care of business in nonconference like we did last year to prepare us," Sanchez said. "But it's Sunday at noon against Army. That's all our focus right now."

In Full Swing

Colorado enters Sunday looking to carry momentum from its season-opening victory over Colorado State.

Sanchez was pleased with how his team responded after the Rams match equalizer on Wednesday. Colorado controlled much of the play before Zamorano's second-half goal secured the 2-1 victory.

"At the end of the day, it's all about winning, and we won the match two to one," Sanchez said. "So it was a good start to the season."

The Buffs also continue the contest for the goalkeeper competition following the departure of All-American Jordyn Nytes. Jamie Campbell and Brooke Goerish split time against Colorado State, and Sanchez indicated that competition could continue as the season progresses.

Colorado will close its season-opening three-match homestand against Cal State Fullerton before hitting the road for the first time in 2026.

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