A weekend trip to Denver for the Fort Lewis College women’s soccer team afforded the Skyhawks a rare opportunity: the chance to see the United States women’s national team earn a 2-0 victory against China.

FLC travelled to Denver for Regis’ spring tournament, which they do every year.

“It just happened to coincide with the U.S.-China game,” FLC head coach Damian Clarke said.

The Skyhawks lost 1-0 to the University of Colorado in their first game and 3-0 to Colorado College in their second game of the tournament.

“There were eight freshmen on the field, it was an awesome experience for everyone,” Clarke said. “We came up here with two subs. They were exhausted mentally as well as physically.”

The team then travelled to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City on Sunday to watch the U.S. play China in an international friendly.

“I think, for most of them, it’s the first time they’ve seen a national team play. It was my first time,” Clarke said of his players. “I think you always benefit from watching the game. For a lot of them, seeing Abby Wambach and Hope Solo, players like that, you may never get to see them again.”

heraldsports@durangoherald.com