No. 15 Colorado Shuts Out KU, 2-0

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Colorado’s Nikki Keller and Gianna DeSaverio scored second half goals, while goalkeeper Kirstin Radlinski made five saves as No. 15 Colorado scored a 2-0 triumph over Kansas in a Big 12 soccer match Sunday at the Jayhawk Soccer Complex.

The Jayhawks fall to 8-4 overall and 2-2 in conference play, while the Buffaloes improve to 9-2-2 and 3-1-1 in the Big 12.

Much like Friday’s contest against Texas Tech, Kansas outplayed the visiting Buffaloes through the first 45 minutes, but could not capitalize. On Sunday, CU made them pay.

In the 55th minute, CU’s Nikki Marshall played a through ball to the middle of the field that Keller tipped away from goalkeeper Julie Hanley. The Colorado forward then chipped a shot into the net to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Ten minutes later, the Buffaloes took advantage of a turnover in the Kansas zone. Two Kansas defenders couldn’t control the ball after a battle with DeSaverio. The Colorado senior slipped through the defense and beat Hanley 1-v-1 from seven yards out for the margin of victory.

Kansas had several chances in the first half, but could not find the back of the net. Junior Monica Dolinsky led the Jayhawks with five shots, including three that were stopped by Radlinski.

KU’s best chance to score likely came in the first half, when freshman Kelsey Clifton had the keeper out of position after a scramble in the box. However, her shot was knocked away from the net by a Colorado defender.

Radlinski, who also shut out the Jayhawks in her last visit to Lawrence, also made a pair of diving saves on Dolinsky in the 18th minute and the 27th minute.

The Jayhawks outshot the visitors 18-9, including 12-4 in the first half. It marked the first time Kansas has been shut out this season.

KU will look to get back on track next Friday when it travels to No. 12 Oklahoma State for a 7 p.m. match at the Cowgirl Soccer Complex.