The Colorado Buffaloes women’s soccer team secured a spot in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament with a commanding 3-0 victory against Xavier. The match, held on March 21, 2024, showcased a remarkable performance, highlighted by Hope Leyba’s stunning 40-yard goal in the 87th minute. This achievement marks only the third time in program history that the Buffaloes have reached this stage.
The victory not only solidifies the Buffs’ strong performance throughout the tournament but also serves as a significant moment for the team, especially for the seniors. Head coach Danny Sanchez, who has now guided the program to two of its three Sweet 16 appearances, expressed his admiration for Leyba’s striking goal, calling it a “classy goal” that alleviated any late-game pressure. Sanchez emphasized the importance of this moment for the senior players, stating, “They’re not going to have another opportunity. So for them to have this opportunity and to advance in the tournament when there are only 16 teams left is a tremendous testament to them and their commitment to the program.”
The Buffaloes will face off against the second-seeded Michigan State Spartans on March 24, 2024, at DeMartin Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. This matchup brings a sense of familiarity, as the two teams played to a 1-1 draw earlier in the season on August 14. Leyba kicked off the scoring in that match, setting the stage for what has become a record-breaking season for the Buffaloes.
Historically, the Buffs have struggled in the NCAA Tournament, holding a record of 2-10 in true road games. Yet, they are riding a wave of momentum after their recent performances, including a first-round victory last year against Georgia that propelled them to their previous Sweet 16 appearance. The team’s success this year can be attributed to a strong collective effort, with Leyba leading the charge as the team’s top scorer, netting 22 goals this season.
As the Buffaloes prepare for their upcoming match against Michigan State, they recognize the challenge ahead. The Spartans, with their impressive record of 14-3-6, are a formidable opponent. Kennedy Bell, Michigan State’s leading scorer, will be a key player to watch, having tallied 11 goals this season.
In preparation for the clash, Sanchez remarked, “Michigan State’s a two seed for a reason. At this point, there’s not a lot of secrets. We’ll be ready on Sunday.” The anticipation is building as the Buffaloes look to achieve their first Elite Eight berth in program history.
The significance of this matchup extends beyond just the game itself. It represents an opportunity for the Buffaloes to further cement their legacy and compete against one of the nation’s top teams. With a roster filled with talent, including players like Jace Holley and Reagan Kotschau, the Buffs are eager to make their mark in the tournament.
In addition to the players’ individual achievements, goalkeeper Jordan Nytes has set a new program record for saves in NCAA tournament history, with 35, surpassing the previous record of 30. Nytes’ outstanding performance has been instrumental in the team’s success this season.
As the Buffaloes gear up for this pivotal match, they remain focused on their goal and determined to make history. The clash against Michigan State promises to be an exciting showdown, with both teams vying for a coveted spot in the Elite Eight.
