Photo: Denver fell to CU Saturday night, 6-1, in front of 817 people at CIBER Field

DU women’s soccer fell victim to quick goals to open each half and a second half implosion to fall to the University of Colorado 6-1. The loss pulled Denver under .500 (3-4-1) and likely handed the visitors the Colorado Cup. The Colorado Cup scoring system awards 3 points for a win and a point for each goal scored. So, CU’s huge 9 point evening will most certainly hand state bragging rights to the Buffs.

The Pioneers went into the match without their number one keeper, Brittany Wilson, following a red card suspension from the prior match against Gonzaga for dangerous play – a horrendous call. Nonetheless, the Pioneers had little chance against the Buffs, giving up a whopping 15 shots, nine of which came in the second half when the roof caved in on the Pioneers. Denver allowed 5 goals in the second half in defeat.

The bright spot for the Pioneers was Hannah Adler’s goal in the 52nd minute off a goalie rebound. Denver could only muster 3 shots on goal and one corner kick the entire match.

A pair of CU goals in the second half, 14 seconds apart, tied for the 15th smallest span in NCAA history. CU’s 6 goals were the third highest ever scored by the Buffs – all this at the Pioneers’ CIBER Field.  DU allowed the most goals and shots of any match this season.

The Pioneers had a chance to make a statement Saturday night and stop a recent slide. Unfortunately, the effort and the result will leave the Pioneers looking for answers.

After a quick start to the season, DU has dropped four matches in a row and has been outscored 13-4 during that stretch. Denver has three non-conference matches remaining to right the ship before they start conference play.

Their next match is Monday, September 18th against Cal State Fullerton at 7:00 p.m.