Devils in Detail
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ASU Soccer: ASU vs. UCLA Preview

By Gigi Micketti

Dec 13, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky reacts during the first half of the game against the Pepperdine Waves at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky reacts during the first half of the game against the Pepperdine Waves at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports /
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With a 2-0 shutout win against Cal State Fullerton at home last Friday, the Sun Devils stride into conference play tonight against UCLA.

The Sun Devils currently sit in the middle of the Pac-12 standings with a 5-2-1 record just under that of UCLA’s 6-2-0 record.

Though both teams are coming off wins, the game seems to be in favor of UCLA with the better record as well as being ranked 11th nationally. UCLA’s success in non-conference play seems to be thanks to their young defensive line.

Freshman goalkeeper, Teagan Micah, freshman defender, Kayla McCullough, and sophomore, Hailie Mace have started in all seven games and played over 600 minutes in non-conference play. Attention and pressure will be on this defensive trio to see how they hold up during in-conference play.

UCLA is coming in with a well-rounded offense with numerous players scoring goals in non-conference play, the Sun Devils’ defense will be put to the test to see if they can hold strong against the intimidating force that is the Bruins.

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The Sun Devils are feeling good after their recent shutout and with the success they’ve found in their non-conference matches. They’ve rebounded from their tough loss again Colorado and have focused on their team dynamic.

On the attack, Lucy Lara is an aggressive force the Bruins defense will need to be prepared for, along with pressure from forward Natalie Stephens who is hungry for a goal. More of an attacking role is expected from Jazmarie Mader who had more of a set-up role in the Sun Devils’ previous game.

Defensively it will be a test for center back Mckenzie Grossman who will need to hold her line strong and take pressure off the keeper behind her.

Many are excited to see if freshman goalkeeper Emma Malsy will take the starting position for the season opener over junior Megan Delany. If so, Malsy has to remain collected and prepared for the high-intensity and speed of play that is coming her way if she is to be successful and give ASU a chance.

Next: ASU Soccer: ASU cruises past Fullerton

Kick-off will be this evening at 7 p.m. at UCLA with the game being televised live on Pac-12 networks. Eyes will be on the Sun Devils to see if they will fight together as they have done during non-conference or if the high-intensity play of the Bruins will blow through them.