GREENSBORO, N.C. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) women's soccer team will begin its 2024 home slate with an out-of-state rival in No. 22 Colorado on Thursday, August 29 with a start time of 7:00 p.m. at the UNCG Soccer Stadium.
 
This game is part of the UNCG's Rawkin' Welcome Week. There will be a food truck in attendance and the UNCG's Bryan School is hosting its Back to Business Event, where all Bryan School students can attend.
 

 
SERIES HISTORY
This will be the first meeting between the two teams.  

LAST TIME OUT FOR THE SPARTANS
UNCG fell to in-state foe East Carolina University last Thursday in Greenville, N.C., 2-1. Taylor Mentzer scored her second goal of the season in the 12^th minute of the game with help from Ryen Ortiz. The Pirates scored in the 30^th and 76^th minute of the game to secure the win.
 
ABOUT THE SPARTANS

• This will be Head Coach Stefani Workman's first year at the helm with the Spartans, but eighth year with the Blue & Gold.
• The Spartans were voted to finish seventh in the 2024 SoCon Preseason Coaches Poll.
• Mentzer tied for first in goals scored last season. She scored a career-best five goals.
• In net, Emma Malone started and played in 17 games last season and had 1.42 goals against average. Over her two years with the Spartans, she averages 1.322 goals against.
• The Spartans added six freshman and one graduate transfer to the 2024 roster.
• Mentzer has scored in back-to-back games this season, bringing her streak to four-straight games with a goal, dating back to October 22, 2023.
• Since 2002, Mentzer is tied with five other Spartans with a four-game goal streak (Katherine Rodriguez – 2012, Kristin Player – 2011, Kelly Attayek – 2007, Deven Beachum – 2006, and Amy Carnell – 2005).
• Currently in the SoCon, Mentzer is first with 1.00 goals per game and in shot accuracy (0.800), second in shots on goal per game (2.00), third in points per game (2.00) and fourth in total goals (2).
• Ortiz and classmate Ava Kiss each have chipped in an assist this season.

SCOUTING NO. 22 COLORADO

• Colorado concluded the 2023 season 13-5-3 overall and 5-3-3 in the Pac-12, earning the program's 13^th NCAA Tournament berth last year and first since 2020.
• This is the Buffaloes first year back in the Big 12 since departing the conference in 2010 to join the Pac-12.
• Colorado was voted to finish fourth in the 2024 Big 12 Preseason Poll.
• Shyra James, Faith Leyba and Jordan Nytes were voted to the 2024 Big 12 Preseason Team.
• In the Buffaloes' first four games of their 2024 slate, they have totaled 12 goals and 22 corner kicks.
• Shyra has contributed four of the 12 goals, while Leyba has chipped in three goals and one assist.
• Ava Priest leads the team with three helpers.
• Nytes has seen the most time in net this season for the Buffaloes, starting and playing in all four games while giving up three goals for a 0.80 goal against average. She has tallied 25 saves. Jamie Campbell came into the game during the Wyoming contest.
• Among the NCAA, the Buffaloes are ranked in the top 30 in six categories including: 16^th in total goals (12), 20^th in total points (34), 21^st in scoring offense (3.00), 22^nd in goal differential (8), 23^rd in saves per game (7.00) and 28^th in total assists (10). 

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UP NEXT
The Spartans continue a two-game homestand with in-state rival Charlotte on Sunday, September 1 at the UNCG Soccer Stadium with a start time of 7:00 p.m.

All women's soccer regular season home games are free admission, and this game is part of UNCG's Rawkin' Welcome Week. The first 50 NC Fusion kids with their jersey on will receive a free mini soccer ball!