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ASU Soccer: Moving in new directions

By Alyanna kathrine Harina

TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 24: Arizona State Sun Devils fans cheer with foam fingers during the game against the California Golden Bears at Sun Devil Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils won 51-41. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 24: Arizona State Sun Devils fans cheer with foam fingers during the game against the California Golden Bears at Sun Devil Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils won 51-41. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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With the introduction of new head coach Graham Winkworth, ASU soccer is moving towards new directions all across the pitch this upcoming season.

Winkworth, a two-time Sun Belt coach of the year, and the Sun Devils will be looking to improve from their 6-11-2 record last season.

After seven shutout losses last season, it is obvious that the gaping weakness in the Sun Devils’ offense is their inability to score.

The Sun Devils’ have also lost attacking mid-fielder Lucy Lara to graduation.

Lara, whose ability to move the ball down field, not only led the team’s attacking flow but also made her the offensive catalyst for the team.

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Winkworth and the Sun Devils will need to find someone to step up on the pitch just as Lara did if they hope to improve from last season.

On the defensive side, ASU also lost leader McKenzie Grossman to graduation, leaving the defensive line without the experience brought on by Grossman.

Her ability to hold the defensive line heavily contributed to the low goal differences during the Sun Devils’ season.

Grossman’s leadership and experience will be hard to replicate.

Upperclassmen like defender Taylor Coon will need to step up and engage ASU’s defensive line if they don’t want to lose the effect Grossman had on opposing teams completely.

With their upcoming season being anything but a cake walk, with road games against powerhouses Stanford and UCLA, along with a game against defending national champions USC, the Sun Devils introduced Lara Barbieri to the 2017 roster.

Barbieri, a Brazilian standout who has player on both the U-15 and U-17 Brazilian National Team, may just add the necessary amount of depth to ASU’s midfield to create chances for goals.

Next: ASU Soccer: Full 2017 Schedule Released

Under new leadership on and off the pitch, it will be interesting to see how Winkworth and the Sun Devils develop during the upcoming season.