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ALL-TIME VERSUS THE PIONEERS
Thursday marks the 19th all-time meeting between Air Force and Denver, with the Falcons trailing 2-15-1 in the series. Air Force’s two wins both came at home. Denver won the most recent meeting, 2-1, on Aug. 14, 2025, at Cadet Soccer Stadium. Thursday’s match marks the first September meeting between Air Force and Denver since 2008.
LAST TIME OUT
Air Force women’s soccer (4-2-0) fell 2-1 to Northern Colorado (2-3-2) Thursday evening at Jackson Field. The Falcons recorded four shots on goal, while Sydney Nelms made five saves.
Northern Colorado struck first in the 12th minute before adding a second goal off a corner kick in the 42nd minute to take a 2-0 lead into halftime.
Air Force came out with increased pressure in the second half, eventually cutting the deficit in the 80th minute. Kendall Rippley chipped a ball forward to Maddy Walsh, who pushed it through the Northern Colorado keeper’s legs for her fourth goal of the season.
The Falcons continued to search for the equalizer late, but the Bears held on for the 2-1 victory.
MADDY MAKING HER MARK
Junior Maddy Walsh has been a constant threat in the attacking third through the first six matches, putting pressure on opposing defenses and making the most of her opportunities in front of goal. Walsh has already established a career-high nine points this season, recording four goals and one assist. Her nine points, four goals and 12 shots all lead the Falcons offensively.
Walsh wasted little time making her mark, finding the back of the net twice in the season opener to help send Air Force to a 4-1 victory over Army. The performance included a career-high six shots as she consistently challenged the Black Knights’ defense.
She continued to make her presence felt on the attack at North Texas, where she scored the game-winning goal in the 1-0 victory. Walsh’s header bounced off the woodwork and found the back of the net, giving the Falcons their second win of the season. She added another goal against Northern Colorado, scoring Air Force’s lone goal in the 2-1 setback.
BETWEEN THE POSTS
Sophomore Sydney Nelms has provided a steady presence between the posts, starting four matches and logging all 360 minutes while collecting 28 saves and two wins on the season. She has helped anchor an Air Force defense that has posted two shutouts through the Falcons’ first six matches.
Nelms recorded her first career shutout in Air Force’s 4-0 victory over Navy, turning aside six shots to earn her second career win. Against Creighton, she kept the Falcons within striking distance with eight saves while allowing just one goal, finishing the match with an .889 save percentage.
She was tested early and often against Texas A&M, facing 11 shots on target and making a season-high nine saves while allowing two goals. With four starts under her belt, Nelms has quickly established herself as a reliable last line of defense for the Falcons.
FALCONS IN THE FINAL THIRD
Air Force has wasted little time putting pressure on opposing defenses, firing off 88 shots through six matches, including 35 on target, while finding the back of the net 14 times. The Falcons have generated chances from across the attacking third, with Annika Jost and Maddy Walsh leading the team with 12 shots apiece. Addie Doyle follows with 11 attempts, while Kendall Rippley and Clara Teigland have added nine and eight shots, respectively.
The Falcons have outscored their opponents 14-6 on the season, ranking 46th nationally in scoring offense. Air Force has found success throughout all 90 minutes, scoring five goals in the opening half and nine after halftime. The balanced attack has kept opposing defenses on their heels, with the Falcons continuing to create opportunities and capitalize in the final third.
A LOOK AT DENVER
Denver holds a record of 1-4-2, falling to Colorado State (1-0), DePaul (2-1), Northwestern (1-0), and #10 Colorado (6-0). The Pioneers managed a pair of ties with Colorado College and Northern Colorado and secured their singular win at 2-0 over Montana. So far, Kera Nguyen leads DU with two goals for four points. In goal, Lucy Garnsey holds a 1.57 GAA and made 26 saves but allowed 11 goals.
