Close battle ends Utah women's soccer season as Colorado wins 2-1

KANSAS CITY — The Utah women's soccer team fell in a heartbreaker to Colorado in the first round of the Big 12 soccer championship on Wednesday.

The Buffaloes netted two second-half goals to edge the Utes 2-1 and advance to the next round. Despite an early lead from Utah and a hard-fought battle from both sides, Colorado's late-game goals secured their spot in the quarterfinals, where they'll face top-seeded TCU.

The Utes opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a powerful finish from freshman standout Katie Callaway, who came off the bench to make an immediate impact.

Callaway, now with three goals on the season, was set up by Katie O'Kane, who delivered a pinpoint pass that allowed Callaway to slot the ball into the net, giving Utah an early 1-0 advantage.

Utah's defensive line, led by senior goalkeeper Kasey Wardle, held strong against Colorado's relentless attack throughout the first half.

Wardle, who made a crucial seven saves in Utah's previous matchup against Colorado, was on her game, once again, keeping the Utes in the lead going into halftime with four critical stops.

The second half, however, saw Colorado mount a comeback. In the 72nd minute, Colorado's Hope Leyba found an opening and launched a high kick just past Wardle to tie the game 1-1.

The goal breathed new life into the Buffaloes.

With just four minutes left in regulation, Colorado capitalized on a last-ditch effort. Ava Priest, known for her front handspring throw-ins, took the ball down the left flank and fired a perfectly placed shot past Wardle, giving the Buffaloes a 2-1 lead.

Despite Utah's best efforts to equalize in the final minutes, Colorado's defense held firm, shutting down Utah's attempts and securing the win.

For the Utes, who entered the game as the No. 8 seed with a 5-3-3 conference record, the loss marks the end of a good season in their first year in the Big 12.

Graduate forward Taliana Kaufusi, ranked among the top 100 college players in the nation, and Big 12 co-defensive player of the week Brooklyn Blaylock, anchored the team with intensity throughout the match.

With seniors bidding farewell, Utah's younger talents, like Callaway and midfielder Bella Woods, who is ranked No. 69 among freshmen nationwide, promise a bright future for the program.

Colorado will now face TCU, the tournament's top seed and 2021 champions, on Saturday at 1 p.m. MDT in what promises to be another high-stakes showdown at CPKC Stadium.

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