Washington goalkeeper, Olivia Juarez, during Huskies match against Utah on October 19, 2023 at Husky Soccer Stadium.
The Washington women’s soccer team once again showed why it should be a top 25 team Sunday.
The Huskies (7-5-4, 2-4-2 Pac-12) created the better chances throughout the tightly contested display.
The first 15 minutes was back and forth with contested possession in the middle-third of the pitch, with no shots on target. Colorado failed to find an early rhythm due to Washington’s rock-solid defense
A golden chance came in the 36th minute for Huskies sophomore midfielder Kelsey Branson who was in on goal, but couldn't get power behind the shot and rolled it to the Colorado keeper.
At the end of the first half, both sides remained scoreless.
The first 15 minutes of the second half mirrored the first until a penalty was awarded to Colorado in the 60th minute off an unlucky hand ball from a Husky defender.
The Buffaloes (10-4-3, 2-3-3 Pac-12) converted, taking the lead.
Washington felt hard-done by the unfortunate call, and dialed in to find the equalizer.
Sure enough, in the 63rd minute, senior forward Hailey Still received the ball behind the Colorado back line and tucked it in the bottom right corner, making it one apiece.
The final 10 minutes of the game were chaotic, with both sides having ample chances to score.
A monstrous tackle in the box from Huskies sophomore defender Kolo Suliafu prevented a clear-cut chance for a Colorado forward in the 82nd minute.
Then, a big chance for the Huskies came in the 86th minute with a free header in the 6-yard box, but the shot was right at the keeper.
Another big opportunity for Colorado came in the 89th minute when a Buffalo forward ripped one from outside the box, but it sailed just over the bar.
A bad slip from the Colorado keeper at midfield in the 90th minute saw the Colorado goal left unguarded, but the Huskies failed to find a clear shot on goal.
The game ended 1-1, with Washington forcing four saves to Colorado’s one.
Despite failing to find the winner, the Huskies will hold their heads high knowing they were close in taking down the ranked Buffaloes.
“I have no doubt we can hang with these types of teams,” head coach Nicole Van Dyke said following the match. “We played very well, and now it's about finding those final pieces in order to finish the season with three wins.”
Washington will look to end the season on a high note, as its remaining schedule holds away matches to Oregon and Oregon State, followed by the Apple Cup against rivals Washington State.
The Huskies travel to Oregon to face the Ducks on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m.
Reach reporter Logan Redinger at sports@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @loganredingerr
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