ASU Soccer: ASU vs. Cal Preview
After a tough loss on Sunday, the Devils look to bounce back against the University of California.
Cal is currently 7-1 in the Pac-12 conference compared to the Devils 1-6-1 record, but if ASU is able to play to the potential they are capable of they have a good chance against this top-ranked team.
What seems to be the biggest problem for the Devils defensively is the lack of presence in the midfield. With players like Cal’s senior forward Arielle Ship and red-shirt senior forward Ifeoma Onumonu who have taken almost 30 shots each this season, the Devils need to be able to stop their advances in the midfield and prevent dangerous attacks.
The Bears have scored 32 goals this season and have only given up 10 to their opponents. This is not promising for the Devils who have not had much momentum offensively as of late due to their top forward, Jazmarie Mader, sidelined with an injury.
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As far as goal keepers are concerned, freshman keeper Emma Malsey was almost a let-down last game against the Ducks as numerous mistakes on both her and the defensive line contributed to the four goals scored against the team.
If red-shirt junior Megan Delaney is to start over Malsey, she needs to be at her best to save this team from another embarrassing loss.
Though she’s been sidelined the past few games, Mader still leads the team offensively. Sophomore Adriana Orozco was able to step up against UO Sunday but it’s not a one man team. More needs to be seen from upperclassmen offensive players Larisa Staub and Jessica Raybe.
Sophomore forward Natalie Stephens has yet to make her breakthrough moment, and as the season is winding to an end it seems uncertain whether or not she will have it. Now is better than ever and hopefully she still has a hunger to make a difference and earn back her starting position for the team.
Along the back line, senior Mckenzie Grossman needs to regain control of the defense in order to help stop and quickly counter attacks from the Bears. Last game the Ducks were able to spread the line wide and get them to leave gaps in the box for through balls and quality shots. In order to shut down the Bears the back line can’t get spread and if they do they need to recover quickly.
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Kick off tonight is at 7 p.m. at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium. It is fan appreciation night and the game can be seen live on Pac-12 Arizona.