Friday, Oct. 10, marked the Sun Devils’ second-ranked opponent of the season and first on the road, proving to be a challenging task to play spoiler. 

In a tightly contested first half, Colorado scored first in the 32nd minute and proved too much for ASU to overcome. The Buffaloes went on to add a big second goal late in the 78th minute that would put the finishing touches on this hard-fought win.

Colorado's first goal came off a corner kick from junior defender Caley Swierenga and a finish from junior midfielder Reagan Kotschau.

Now behind, the Sun Devils had very little room for error and tried to string a strong possession to attempt to cut into the deficit; however, an errant pass stolen away by freshman midfielder Maddie Sharrer set up freshman Jace Holley for a breakaway goal. 

Up 2-0, all the Buffaloes needed was to chew the clock and not allow anything defensively.

Time expired, and No. 24 Colorado defended home field and emerged victorious 2-0.

ASU played very tightly defensively, as it was held to just nine shots with only six on goal. Conversely, Colorado put up 27 shots, with 11 on goal. 

Giving up multiple goals is a rare occurrence for senior goalkeeper Pauline Nelles, as she has only allowed this once before tonight. Nelles is tied for the school shutout record with 24, so it isn't often she finds herself on the other side of one.

This loss was the Sun Devils' second straight loss on the road and third on the season. All three of their season losses have come on the road. With three Big 12 losses at this point in the season, ASU faces an uphill battle to reach the top of the conference.

The road only gets harder for the Sun Devils, as they still have to play two more ranked teams entering the final stretch of the season.