[WUL] Alpenglow Open 2026 Season with Strong Home Victory
(Denver = Won Jeong) Colorado Alpenglow secured a win in their first home game of the 2026 season, hosting Oregon Soar at Pinnacle Athletic Complex.
In the match held on the 29th (local time), Colorado defeated Oregon 19–15 in front of an energized home crowd.
The opening score came from last season’s Offensive Player of the Year, Nelson. Delivering a precise forehand pass to Thorpe, who was cutting into the end zone, Nelson set up the first goal of the home opener with ease.
Both teams showcased dynamic offensive systems, alternating effectively between vertical and horizontal stack formations throughout the game.
Late in the first quarter, Oregon cutter Peterson sprinted at full speed to make a catch in the end zone, nearly colliding with the fence in a dangerous moment. Fortunately, Peterson avoided serious injury and continued playing.
Colorado established early control, closing the first quarter with a 6–2 lead.
On offense, Nelson and Thorpe stood out, while Sevier and Dixon made key contributions on the defensive line.
Oregon responded late in the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 9–7 and building momentum heading into halftime.
At the start of the second half, Oregon intensified defensive pressure with a zone defense against Colorado’s offense. Colorado attempted to counter by tightening handler spacing and relying on short passes, but struggled to convert those efforts into scores.
The momentum then shifted toward Oregon, who capitalized with consecutive points to level the game at 9–9.
A tightly contested exchange followed, with neither side able to maintain a lasting advantage as both teams traded points through the middle of the third quarter.
Colorado regained composure late in the quarter, finishing the third with a 14–12 lead.
The turning point came early in the fourth quarter with a Callahan goal from Thorpe. As Oregon attempted a swing pass near their own end zone, Thorpe intercepted the disc and immediately converted it into a score.
Down the stretch, Colorado displayed more composed play, while Oregon struggled with execution near the end zone. The effects of high altitude also appeared to impact Oregon, as fatigue set in and passing accuracy declined.
With about five minutes remaining, Colorado effectively shut down Oregon’s offense using a disciplined zone defense, fully seizing control of the game.
In the final moments, Sevier delivered a crucial defensive play, laying out to block a scoring pass in the end zone and preventing a potential comeback.
Colorado ultimately secured a 19–15 victory to cap off a successful home opener.
Alpenglow will return to action on April 11, when they host the Seattle Tempest.
