ASU Soccer: ASU Falls to WSU in a Critical Game

The Sun Devils entered the game off of a tough double overtime match against Washington this past Thursday, giving them their first win of conference play. It was apparent that the Devils had the momentum going into this game and high hopes going against Washington State who was 0-4 so far in conference play.

Aly Moon was absent in the starting lineup due to ongoing issues with her injury she suffered during their in-conference opener against UCLA. Another significant change in the lineup was found in the back, with Megan Delaney starting in the goal over freshman Emma Malsy. Jazmarie Mader was back in the lineup offensively and was hopeful to step up in Moon’s absence.

The slick pitch posed troublesome for the Devils who aren’t used to playing in wet conditions. The conditions made an impact into their possessive style of play. Though not making as many connecting passes the team usually does, the girls started off strong and maintained a solid attack in Washington State’s territory.

Offensive opportunities slipped by the Sun Devils a few times until a lucky break came from a foul in the box that gave Mader a penalty kick during the 19^th minute of play. This opportunity put the Devils on the board and should have put momentum in their favor.

Following the goal, the Cougars came back fighting as they shocked the Sun Devils and put momentum and opportunities in their favor. The rest of the half was dominated by the Cougs and went into the half with confident attitudes while the Sun Devils struggling to regroup.

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As the second half was underway, the Cougars took the game into their control in a hurry with everyone on the offensive attack causing for them to get nine corner kicks in the first 10 minutes of the second half.

While the majority of their set pieces came up empty, forward Kaitlin Johnson and midfielder Morgan Weaver provided a lot of pressure and speed up top to tire out the ASU defensive line. Sideline runs from defender Kelsee Crenshaw proved harmful to the Sun Devils. ASU, trying to defend Crenshaw’s speed and strength, gave the Cougs numerous through balls and crosses which would set them up for goals.

The Cougars were able to play together as a unit and completely stopped the Sun Devils from gaining any offensive momentum. The Sun Devils took another loss as Mader was taken off the pitch during the second half which eliminated any offensive opportunities for ASU.

Sloppy defending in ASU’s territory led to a Cougar free kick just outside the 18 during the 83^rd minute of play. The low ball played in was initially stopped by Delany but slipped from her hand and was followed through by Cougar forward Katie Jones, tying up the game in the 83^rd minute.

A tie remained into double overtime with Washington State continuing to dominate in the game. ASU came out in the second overtime period finally connecting passes and playing better until a foul by Lucy Lara in the 104^th minute caught the Sun Devils by surprise. The ball was played downfield to Johnson from a distance, and with a one touch shot the ball found its way into the back of the net giving the Cougars their first win of conference play.

The Cougars dominated the Devils with 30 shots on goal compared to six for ASU, 14 of which were on frame and only two for the Devils.

This loss puts the Devils at 1-3-1 for the season and in a tough spot to try and prepare for the unforgiving USC Trojans next week.

Next: Soccer: Sun Devils Earn First Pac-12 Victory

The game is Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Sun Devil Soccer Stadium in Tempe and can be streamed live on the Pac-12 Network.