U.S. Air Force Academy

Why: Last year, the Falcons had their best season in more than a decade, winning 12 out of 20 games. The team welcomes back more than 20 players this season.

5280 August 2012
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When: Conference rival University of Denver takes the turf against Air Force on September 29 in Colorado Springs.

University of Colorado (women’s)

Why: The Buffs—with first-year head coach Danny Sanchez at the helm—will try to rebound from a tough entrance into the Pac-12, which saw them win just one conference game last season.

When: Catch a Stanford University–CU battle in Boulder on October 7.

Colorado School of Mines

Why: The Orediggers are one of Fort Lewis’ biggest rivals; the team’s physical brand of soccer keeps it consistently near the top of the conference. Mines will rely on an experienced core to gun for this year’s conference crown.
When: Regis University takes them on in Golden on October 5.