Air Force, Colorado College women’s soccer fight to 0-0 draw as gusts blow into Weidner Field
Air Force coach Laura Busby and Colorado College coach Keri Sanchez each walked into Weidner Field with optimism on Friday — and not just because of their soccer teams.
Last year’s City of Champions Cup match lingered around 30 degrees for the majority of the contest. As teams entered the venue this year, skies were clear with 70-degree temperatures.
That quickly changed.
Just 10 minutes into Thursday’s match, wind gusts up to 25 miles per hour blew into Weidner Field. The breeze got the better of both teams, as the Falcons and Tigers played to a 0-0 draw.
“We got here today, and we were talking about how beautiful it was, and it just took a turn for the worse,” Sanchez said. “We had the wind at our backs in the second half and, unfortunately, couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net.”
The wind blew from north to south, giving the team attacking on the south net the advantage.
In the first half, that was Colorado College. The Tigers had plenty of chances but didn’t convert on any.
Likewise, Air Force dominated possession in the second half. The Falcons consistently had the ball past midfield and put 11 shots on goal in the final 45 minutes but didn’t score.
In addition to the breezy conditions, CC goalkeeper Regan Wallace shut Air Force down.
She made 13 saves, her second-highest total of the year. The freshman, who earned her first career shutout against the Falcons, finishes her first season of college soccer with 111 saves.
“I love it when she’s aggressive and confident,” Sanchez said. “She played a great game for us tonight. I loved that we got a shutout for her, and she earned the shutout.”
Busby added, “Their goalkeeper made some incredible saves, credit to her. It looked like we were knocking on the door and we were trying to put the ball in the back of the net, and she just stopped us.”
Though both teams battled for the Pikes Peak Trophy — which Air Force retained after winning 1-0 last year and drawing this year — the stakes were higher for the Falcons on Thursday.
Air Force (6-9-3 overall, 3-5-3 conference) could have qualified for the Mountain West Tournament with a win and losses from both Nevada and Fresno State. Busby admitted her disappointment in Thursday’s result but applauded her group’s fight.
“That is difficult for our seniors, they’ve been incredible for us,” Busby said. “But I know the future is bright for our program.
Colorado College finishes the year 3-13-2 overall and 3-7-1 in Mountain West play. The Tigers end the campaign 10th in the league after reaching the Mountain West tourney a year ago.
Even though CC finished toward the bottom of the conference, Sanchez believes her team will return to contention in 2024 after playing in a “playoff-like” atmosphere on Thursday.
“I wish we would’ve had more wins along the way. But we know with a little hard work we have a chance to be in the playoffs next year,” Sanchez said. “I’m proud of the way they finished. It’s a growing experience, and we had a much better performance than we did last year.”
Colorado College goalkeeper Regan Wallace (1) jumps over Air Force defender Cassi Bych (8) in the first half of the City for Champions Cup soccer game on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, at Weidner Field. The game ended in a tie 0-0. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette)
Colorado College midfielder Kaelin Enga (26) jumps over forward Haley Harnisch (9) and Air Force midfielder Chase Borntreger (12) to head the ball in the second half of the City for Champions Cup soccer game on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, at Weidner Field. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette)
Colorado College midfielder Kendall Memoly (6) and Air Force midfielder Peyton Ferrell (14) collide in the second half of the City for Champions Cup soccer game on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, at Weidner Field. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette)