Buffs Shut Out Utah In Exhibition Opener

Wednesday, August 5

Grand Junction, Colo.

12 p.m.

Colorado

1-0-0, 0-0-0

Utah

0-1-0, 0-0-0

Team	1	2	Final F
Utah	0	0	0
Colorado	0	1	1

Photo by: Colorado Mesa Athletics

August 05, 2026 | Soccer

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By: Iseck Hurtado, Athletic Communications Associate

GRAND JUNCTION – The Colorado Buffaloes soccer team opened its 2026 season by defeating Utah 1-0 in an exhibition match on Wednesday at the Community Hospital Unity Field on the Colorado Mesa Campus.

After a scoreless opening half, the Buffaloes broke through just 2:17 into the second period when sustained pressure resulted in a Utah own goal. The lone tally proved to be the difference as Colorado's defense held firm over the final 42 minutes.

"I think it was a typical preseason match," head coach Danny Sanchez said. "There were some really good moments. The buildup to the goal we scored was very good. Obviously, we need to be a lot sharper next week when we open up against Colorado State, but overall, it was good to get a match under our belts against a good Utah team."

Colorado finished with a 16-12 advantage in shots after producing eight attempts in each half. The Buffs' three goalkeepers, Jamie Campbell, Brooke Goerish and Madeline Mueller, preserved the shutout with a combined four saves.

The match also concluded a preseason trip that featured training and team-building activities in Aspen.

"The trip was fantastic," Sanchez added. "We had some great training sessions and team-building sessions, and I think it really set a good tone for the season. We're excited to get back to Boulder and kick off against our in-state rival."

How It Happened

Colorado (No. 13) controlled the early stages of the match, producing eight first-half shots and forcing Utah into a pair of saves. Despite the early onslaught, Utah stood pat against the pressing CU offense, leaving the match nil-nil at the half

Colorado broke through just 2:17 into the second half when pressure inside the Utah penalty area resulted in an own goal, giving the Buffs a 1-0 advantage.

CU continued to create opportunities following the breakthrough, forcing the Utes' second-half goalkeeper Hailey Cobb to make three saves. The Buffs remained composed defensively as Utah pressed forward in search of an equalizer late in the match.

Colorado's goalkeeping trio of Jamie Campbell, Brooke Goerish and Madeline Mueller combined for four saves to preserve the shutout and secure the 1-0 exhibition victory.

Colorado will officially open the 2026 season against in-state rival Colorado State next Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m. at Prentup Field.

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