The Colorado Buffaloes got their 2026 season moving with a clean result Wednesday, edging Utah 1-0 in an exhibition match at Community Hospital Unity Field on the Colorado Mesa Campus in Grand Junction.
The only goal came early in the second half, when Colorado turned sustained pressure into a Utah own goal just 2:17 after the break. That was all the Buffs needed, because the defense took over from there and kept Utah off the board the rest of the way.
Head coach Danny Sanchez liked what he saw, even with the usual preseason rough edges still showing.
"I think it was a typical preseason match," 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 edge in shots, with eight attempts in each half. The Buffs also got a combined shutout effort from three goalkeepers - Jamie Campbell, Brooke Goerish and Madeline Mueller - who together made four saves.
Utah did its best to absorb the pressure in the first half, but Colorado kept coming. The Buffs put up eight shots before halftime and forced a pair of saves, yet the game still went into the break scoreless.
Once Colorado finally cracked the match open, it kept pushing. Utah goalkeeper Hailey Cobb was called on for three second-half saves, while the Buffs stayed organized and composed as the Utes searched for an equalizer late.
The exhibition also wrapped up a preseason trip that included training and team-building work in Aspen. Sanchez said the experience paid off.
"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."
Colorado will open the 2026 season officially next Wednesday, Aug. 12, against Colorado State at 7 p.m. at Prentup Field.
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