Rams Topple Pioneers in Home Opener

Two career games. Two career goals.

This college soccer stuff is easy.

Yeah, said Ava Wallhead. Then immediately the freshman laughed, her eyes got big and quickly adjusted her response. No, it's not easy, but it's so fun.

Who can blame the Colorado State freshman striker, plucked ripe out of the backyard of the rival up north? Facing the No. 13 team in the country in her debut, the Laramie, Wyo., product scored on a quick, tough-angle shot. Sunday, with the Rams playing their home opener at the CSU Soccer Field, she was in perfect position to deliver a precise pass from Mia Casey past Denver keeper Lucy Garnsey for the only marker in a 1-0 victory.

What Wallhead -- the only true freshman in program history to tally a goal in her first two games -- has done so far, CSU coach Keeley Hagen is just fine with the youngster's initial assessment.

She's going to be really special. I mean, she already is, but it's been exciting to see her grow and see that one get her in, Hagen said. They're growing into themselves, and it's just a process.

Just physically, she's got all the pieces, and then she has a knack for the goal. I saw at the level she was for club. It's like she found a way to put the ball in the back of the net, and it wasn't just like a one-off. She did it regularly, and for me, that's massive.

Same so far for the newly constructed Rams. There were five returning starters on the pitch at first touch, with new faces impacting every level of lineup, but Wallhead is the only freshman who is starting this year.

She is right. It isn't easy, as Hanna McKay can attest after starting 12 games in 2025, her debut season for the program. McKay said early on as the team was growing together in practice, one could tell Wallhead had something to offer. It was her speed, saying those long legs can beat anyone.

Ava has had the most amazing start. She is hungry for goals, she is confident and I'm so proud of her, McKay said. Two goals in two games, that's unbelievable, so I'm very proud of her.

As a whole in the early stages of a campaign, there is much to decipher, with aspects each individual has to translate for themselves. The opener showed the roster some things, particularly in a tough environment against a Colorado team which reached the Sweet 16 last year.

What stood out to McKay was the steps forward which were taken.

I think it's developing and it's getting very secure. That's all we've been working on in preseason is making sure our back line is communicating to our midfielders, our midfielders are communicating up so that we're all connected, McKay said. So I think it's a very good start to the season. I think that knowing where we are supposed to be instead of having to be told, our role clarity is much better, and I think that our hunger for goal is way better this season.

That was evident in the first 45 minutes, with Colorado State applying constant pressure. It took 11 shots in the first half, four on target. The Rams had a Kaja Dionne goal wiped off the board with an offside call – and they had 11 in the match – and then she hit the post a minute later after creating a turnover, all in the first 10 minutes.

There were other rushes later in the half, but the teams hit the break scoreless.

The Pioneers (0-2) regrouped, controlling play in the early portion of the second half, coming up with 10 shots in the final 45 minutes after having just one the first half. Only two were on net, but both teams hit a post and a crossbar in the course of the game, each millimeters away from altering the tone of the contest. CSU keeper Addison Huber made two saves to record a clean sheet.

Hagen said it wasn't pretty, but she'd take it.

It feels better when they are, she said. Credit to them, but at the end of the day, I'm proud of our kids' fight. It wasn't pretty, definitely at times. I think we self-inflicted a little bit, more than we wanted to, but I'm just happy to get the result and to reward us for the hard work the girls have been doing.

Which is way Wallhead quicky changed her initial answer. She received credit for the goal, but she needed someone to set her up so nicely.

Enter Casey. With Denver down a player after Keirra Venson picked up her second yellow of the day in the 67^th minute, the Rams' senior midfielder went to work. Playing in her 66^th career match for CSU, she delivered her 12^th career assist – one away from matching the program record. Given space, Casey carried the play down the left side, beating a defender and moving in toward the goal along the back line. Then she found Wallhead marked in the middle of the penalty box, just a step outside the goal box where she redirected the feed into the net.

Wallhead is young, but she's learned quickly what Casey is able to create for others.

Honestly, her work ethic is just unmatched. She's such a leader and a supportive teammate, Wallhead said. Every practice, every game, she's always supportive, working hard, and just being the best player out there, I think.

The hard part, the freshman said, has been every player is so competitive. Working for a spot is a bit more difficult at this level, and the physical and mental toughness has to be elevated. In a way, that's been the easy part for her.

She already was competitive and enjoys the thought of taking on another player. She likes to dribble and said she has always carried a grit mindset when she plays. Which is why she could dream a bit about her start as a Ram, a vision reality has matched.

It is, honestly. Yes, this is great, Wallhead said. I'm so happy with how it's going. I was like, you know what? I want to be that person who can score for my team, make a difference.

She also understands word will eventually get out. Teams will look at results and stats, and she will become part of the game plan. She will be marked harder and with more consistency.

What comes next is the tough part. Also, with her attitude, the easy part.

Yeah, she started, then added with no hesitation, I'm looking forward to it.

Calendar

Upcoming Events

Recent Results

Players Mentioned

Mia Casey

Kaja Dionne

Addison Huber

Hanna McKay

Ava Wallhead

Upcoming Events

Recent Results

Colorado State University Athletics