It wasn’t a win. But the Colorado women’s soccer team gladly will take a result on the road against a ranked foe.
The Buffaloes took an early lead on Friday night at No. 15 Washington State, but the Cougars netted an equalizer late to force CU to settle for a 1-1 draw in a Pac-12 Conference battle. It was the Buffs’ second road tie against a ranked foe this season, as CU also posted a 2-2 comeback draw at then-No. 9 Brigham Young on Aug. 9.
Coming off a wrenching loss at home in the Pac-12 opener against Arizona State on a controversial call in the final seconds, the Buffs (6-2-3) jumped ahead in the 11th minute when Civana Kuhlmann, taking a pass from Kayleigh Webb, turned on a Cougars defended and used a left-footed line drive to beat WSU goalie Nadia Cooper.
It was Kuhlmann’s eighth goal of the season. Webb earned her second assist of the season.
The lead stood until yet another controversial goal went against the Buffs. Against relentless WSU pressure in the second half, a long service pass from the Cougars defender Bridget Rieken early in the 78th minute eventually found the net — but only after WSU leading scorer Margie Detrizio ran through CU goalie Dani Hansen while in pursuit of the ball.
The play stood, pulling WSU even at 1-1. Washington State enjoyed several opportunities down the stretch, but Hansen and the CU defense preserved the draw. Hansen finished with nine saves.
CU had lost its previous three games against WSU. The Buffs have only one win in their past five matches (1-2-2), but that run includes the Arizona State drama in addition to two commendable road ties (also 1-1 at Michigan on Sept. 8).
CU completes its road trip on Sunday at Washington (2 p.m. MT).
Colorado 1, No. 15 Washington State 1
CU 1 0 — 1
WSU 0 1 — 1
Goals — Colorado: Kuhlmann (Webb), 11th minute. Washington State: Rieken (unassisted), 78th minute.
Goalies (Min.-goals allowed-saves) — Colorado: Hansen (90-1-9). WSU: Cooper (90-1-1).
