University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Sunday, August 30
Greeley, Colo.
12 p.m. MT
University of Northern Colorado
vs
Denver
Photo by: Ally McCutchen
Bears Battle Denver to 1-1 Draw
8/30/2026 2:02:00 PM | Women's Soccer
GREELEY, Colo. – The Northern Colorado women's soccer team battled in-state rival Denver to a 1-1 draw Sunday afternoon at Jackson Stadium after playing the final 70 minutes to wrap up the season opener on August 13.
Northern Colorado moves to 1-1-2 on the season, while Denver moves to 0-3-1.
"It was just one of those days where we had to get out there and battle," head coach Tim Barrera said. "We got a goal from senior Hannah Schmitt, who came into the match and gave us a spark. I'm super pleased with the overall effort, especially from the players that came in and added to the game."
The Bears and Pioneers would start the match in a defensive battle, with Denver creating multiple opportunities early. Goalkeeper Thordis Melsted helped keep the Pioneers off the board, recording seven saves in the opening 45 minutes.
Neither team would find the back of the net in the first half, sending the match into halftime tied at 0-0.
UNC would strike first in the 59th minute when Schmitt found the back of the net for her first goal of the season. Francesca Jordan picked up the assist on the play to give the Bears a 1-0 advantage.
Denver continued to apply pressure and would eventually find the equalizer in the 75th minute. Olivia Kroska scored off an assist from Caitlin Staats to even the match at 1-1.
The Bears' defense would hold strong for the remainder of the match as Melsted continued her impressive performance in net. She finished the afternoon with 13 saves while playing all 90 minutes.
Denver finished the match with a 19-6 advantage in shots and a 14-1 advantage in shots on goal. Jordan and Preslie Young led UNC with two shots apiece, while Schmitt and Lauryn Maggio each recorded one.
The Pioneers also held a 9-5 advantage in corner kicks, with UNC earning four of its five corners in the second half.
Neither side could find the game-winner in the closing minutes, ending the match in a 1-1 draw.
UP NEXT
The Bears will hit the road for the first time this season when they travel to Omaha, Neb., to take on Creighton on Friday, Sept. 4 at 4 p.m. MT.Â
Â
Northern Colorado moves to 1-1-2 on the season, while Denver moves to 0-3-1.
"It was just one of those days where we had to get out there and battle," head coach Tim Barrera said. "We got a goal from senior Hannah Schmitt, who came into the match and gave us a spark. I'm super pleased with the overall effort, especially from the players that came in and added to the game."
The Bears and Pioneers would start the match in a defensive battle, with Denver creating multiple opportunities early. Goalkeeper Thordis Melsted helped keep the Pioneers off the board, recording seven saves in the opening 45 minutes.
Neither team would find the back of the net in the first half, sending the match into halftime tied at 0-0.
UNC would strike first in the 59th minute when Schmitt found the back of the net for her first goal of the season. Francesca Jordan picked up the assist on the play to give the Bears a 1-0 advantage.
Denver continued to apply pressure and would eventually find the equalizer in the 75th minute. Olivia Kroska scored off an assist from Caitlin Staats to even the match at 1-1.
The Bears' defense would hold strong for the remainder of the match as Melsted continued her impressive performance in net. She finished the afternoon with 13 saves while playing all 90 minutes.
Denver finished the match with a 19-6 advantage in shots and a 14-1 advantage in shots on goal. Jordan and Preslie Young led UNC with two shots apiece, while Schmitt and Lauryn Maggio each recorded one.
The Pioneers also held a 9-5 advantage in corner kicks, with UNC earning four of its five corners in the second half.
Neither side could find the game-winner in the closing minutes, ending the match in a 1-1 draw.
UP NEXT
The Bears will hit the road for the first time this season when they travel to Omaha, Neb., to take on Creighton on Friday, Sept. 4 at 4 p.m. MT.Â
Â
Players Mentioned
D
/ Women's Soccer
D
/ Women's Soccer
GK
/ Women's Soccer
M
/ Women's Soccer
F
/ Women's SoccerSunday, August 30
Friday, August 28
Thursday, August 27
Monday, August 24
