Colorado University Athletics
Danica Evans is poised for a big season after leading the Buffs in goals last season.
Photo by: CUBuffs.com
Evans, Bruder And Zuniga Look To Lead Forwards
August 11, 2016 | Soccer
BOULDER - The sun begins to set behind the flatirons earlier everyday as the University of Colorado women's soccer team approaches its 2016 campaign with a chance to redeem itself from an unsatisfying 2015. Redemption starts with the forwards, led by seniors Danica Evans and Emily Bruder and sophomore Stephanie Zuniga.
Evans recorded team highs in matches started and played for the Buffaloes last season, playing all 20 matches companied by 19 starts. A University of Portland transfer, Evans tied for a team lead in scoring with five goals and 13 points in her first season at Colorado. She is looking to improve in 2016 and head coach Danny Sanchez has high expectations for her as well.
"Danica is our returning leading scorer," Sanchez said. "I think she's going to have a breakout year. I think she is more comfortable. This being her senior year, she's still hungry and she has high aspirations for herself to play at the next level."
Bruder is new to the team this season and spent the past three years playing at the University of North Carolina. The preseason has been the first time she has been on the field with her new teammates.
"I was nervous coming into this team, and being a transfer I wasn't sure how it was going to be but coming in the girls are all very welcoming," Bruder said. "The team chemistry is already there and I already feel part of the team and that something really special to me."
Bruder was named third-team all-ACC in 2014 as a sophomore, leading the team in goals with five. In 2015 she appeared in all 21 matches scoring two goals and an assist. Bruder brings a wealth of experience to the Buffs as well as veteran leadership which has helped contribute to an improved level of chemistry.
"We're all on the same page," Bruder said. "We all know we have a lot of talent on the team and we also know that we have to give 100 percent effort. It can't just be one player; we all have to work together as a team."
That mentality has the Buffs feeling optimistic as they prepare for the Colorado Cup and the opening weekend of their season.
Colorado will also lean heavily on Zuniga and sophomore Erin Greening. Zuniga appeared in 15 matches and had one goal last season and emerged this spring when she was one of the team's scorers. Greening totaled 18 appearances five starts and two goals, but will more likely fit into the lineup in the midfield or back line.
Three freshmen could step in right away as well at forward. Camilla Shymka is a member of Canada's U-20 National Team and adds some height to the mix with her 5-foot-9 frame. Kennedy Yost is a three-star recruit from Pocatello, Idaho, and was a four-time all-area performer. Juliana Guthner has also shown ability, though has missed the past two seasons of high school soccer with injuries.
CU opens the season on Friday, Aug. 19, at 6 p.m. at Air Force. The team's home opener is two days later on Sunday, Aug. 21, with a 3 p.m. kickoff against Colorado State.
Evans recorded team highs in matches started and played for the Buffaloes last season, playing all 20 matches companied by 19 starts. A University of Portland transfer, Evans tied for a team lead in scoring with five goals and 13 points in her first season at Colorado. She is looking to improve in 2016 and head coach Danny Sanchez has high expectations for her as well.
"Danica is our returning leading scorer," Sanchez said. "I think she's going to have a breakout year. I think she is more comfortable. This being her senior year, she's still hungry and she has high aspirations for herself to play at the next level."
Bruder is new to the team this season and spent the past three years playing at the University of North Carolina. The preseason has been the first time she has been on the field with her new teammates.
"I was nervous coming into this team, and being a transfer I wasn't sure how it was going to be but coming in the girls are all very welcoming," Bruder said. "The team chemistry is already there and I already feel part of the team and that something really special to me."
Bruder was named third-team all-ACC in 2014 as a sophomore, leading the team in goals with five. In 2015 she appeared in all 21 matches scoring two goals and an assist. Bruder brings a wealth of experience to the Buffs as well as veteran leadership which has helped contribute to an improved level of chemistry.
"We're all on the same page," Bruder said. "We all know we have a lot of talent on the team and we also know that we have to give 100 percent effort. It can't just be one player; we all have to work together as a team."
That mentality has the Buffs feeling optimistic as they prepare for the Colorado Cup and the opening weekend of their season.
Colorado will also lean heavily on Zuniga and sophomore Erin Greening. Zuniga appeared in 15 matches and had one goal last season and emerged this spring when she was one of the team's scorers. Greening totaled 18 appearances five starts and two goals, but will more likely fit into the lineup in the midfield or back line.
Three freshmen could step in right away as well at forward. Camilla Shymka is a member of Canada's U-20 National Team and adds some height to the mix with her 5-foot-9 frame. Kennedy Yost is a three-star recruit from Pocatello, Idaho, and was a four-time all-area performer. Juliana Guthner has also shown ability, though has missed the past two seasons of high school soccer with injuries.
CU opens the season on Friday, Aug. 19, at 6 p.m. at Air Force. The team's home opener is two days later on Sunday, Aug. 21, with a 3 p.m. kickoff against Colorado State.
Players Mentioned
F
/ Soccer
F
/ Soccer
F
/ Soccer
F
/ Soccer
F
/ Soccer
F
/ Soccer
F
/ SoccerSoccer: NCAA Selection Show Press Conference - Nov. 11, 2025
Monday, November 10
Soccer: Colorado vs Kansas Highlights - Nov. 5, 2025
Thursday, November 06
Soccer: Postgame Press Conference vs UCF - Nov. 3, 2025
Tuesday, November 04
Soccer: Colorado vs UCF Highlights - Nov. 3, 2025
Tuesday, November 04