Freshman Kaitlin Bast scored her first goal for the University of Denver women’s soccer team as the Pioneers earned a 1-1 tie against No. 13 Illinois Sunday afternoon in Denver. The Illini outshot DU 23-5 through 90 minutes plus overtime.

University of Colorado sophomore CU’s Kelly Butler protects the ball against Illinois’ Laura Knutson at the University of Denver’s new soccer stadium. Jordan Hilbrands scored two goals as the Illini defeated CU 2-1 on Friday afternoon. (photo by Tom Auclair/ColoradoSoccerNow.com)

CU’s Kara Linder and Nikki Marshall add to their growing list of accolades, the Nats call up Conor Casey for two qualifiers, the Rapids have a few new teams to worry about, the Buffs and Pioneers have busy weekends ahead of them, the Metro State women are aiming high, and more!

Sophomore midfielder Kelly Butler got the game’s only goal in the 52nd minute as the University of Colorado knocked off No. 11 Oklahoma State on Saturday in Boulder. Butler, above left, celebrates with teammates after scoring the winning goal. (photo by Tom Auclair/ColoradoSoccerNow.com)

Spenny joins the Gallery of Honor, Soccer America picks CU’s Nikki Marshall as an All-American, free posters and soccer balls and sunglasses at the next match at Dick’s, Peter Vermes on the sidelines, and more!

Find out who the Big 12 coaches think will win the conference this seaosn, and check out all the Colorado players on the preseason All-Big 12 team. …

University of Colorado senior Nikki Marshall has been named to the 2009 Missouri Athletic Club’s Hermann Trophy watch list for the second consecutive season. (photo courtesy University of Colorado)

Senior Kelly Menachof and freshman Erin Bricker scored as the University of Colorado beat Northern Colorado 2-1 in an exhibition on Sunday in Boulder.

I enjoyed the 2009 W-League season so much that I decided to put together an All-Conference team based on all the games we covered at ColoradoSoccerNow.com. Pictured, from left: Sally Cole, Brittney Macdonald, Iris Mora and Jenae Gibbons. (photos by Tom Auclair, George Tanner/ColoradoSoccerNow.com)

After building a 2-1 lead in the second half against the defending W-League champion, the Colorado Force fell 5-2 to the Pali Blues in the first round of the W-League playoffs Saturday night in Pacific Palisades, Calif.