Colorado’s second match of the season brings another test to Prentup Field, and another team with a championship resume.
The Buffaloes host Army West Point on Sunday, Aug. 16, at noon as they continue a three-game homestand in Boulder. Colorado is coming off a 2-1 win over Colorado State in Wednesday’s opener, a result that gave the Buffs an early jolt and set the tone for the home stretch to begin the season.
Reagan Kotschau got Colorado on the board first against the Rams, and Lilian Zamorano delivered the decisive goal. After Colorado State pulled level, the Buffs answered and finished the job, something head coach Danny Sanchez said left him satisfied with the start.
"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."
Army arrives in Boulder after a rough opener of its own, a 4-1 defeat to Air Force in the Service Academy Showdown. Junior Daisy West scored the Black Knights’ only goal, while Air Force piled up a 20-8 edge in shots, an 8-3 advantage in shots on goal and a 9-3 lead in corner kicks.
Even with that result, Sanchez is treating Sunday like a serious early-season measuring stick. Army won the Patriot League last season and is the conference favorite entering 2026.
"We're excited for Army this weekend," Sanchez said. "They won the Patriot League last year. They're the favorites again this year."
There’s also a familiar name on the other sideline. Army head coach Tracy Chao previously worked as an assistant coach at Colorado, adding a little extra connection to the matchup.
The Black Knights are part of a demanding nonconference slate for the Buffs, who also face Western Michigan, Cal State Fullerton and Utah State - all defending conference champions - later in the schedule. Sanchez said that kind of early challenge is exactly what Colorado needs before Big 12 play begins.
"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."
Still, the focus inside the program is on what comes next, not what’s down the road.
"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."
Colorado is also working through its goalkeeper competition after the departure of All-American Jordyn Nytes. Jamie Campbell and Brooke Goerish split time in the win over Colorado State, and Sanchez said that battle may continue as the season unfolds.
After Army, Colorado will finish its opening three-game homestand against Cal State Fullerton before heading on the road for the first time in 2026.
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