ASU Soccer: ASU vs. UofA Territorial Cup Preview
On Sunday, the Devils faced No. 3 Stanford and fought a close game but ultimately lost 2-1. The team was able to step up and play better as a team which is good to see leading into their game against University of Arizona.
ASU will be taking on rival UofA in the Territorial Cup match. The Devils lead the all-time series 17-3-1, but their six game losing streak in conference makes their chances of winning look slim.
This season, the Wildcats are 3-7-0 in conference and are coming off a 2-1 win against Cal. The Wildcats have clutched some big wins against teams the Devils have struggled with and lost to, leaving things quite uncertain of whether or not they will continue their win streak against UofA.
UofA took around 30 shots against No. 18 Cal, 14 of which were on target, making their offense deadly against a struggling ASU defense.
Junior midfielder for the Wildcats Gabi Stoian is ASU’s biggest threat for tonight’s game. With 72 shots overall this season, Stoian has been able to get through some of the best defensive lines in conference and put away quality shots on goal.
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Another deadly threat for the Devils is senior forward Paige Crouch. Crouch did not contribute to a goal against Cal, but was able to fire off shots and make herself a dangerous player creeping on the back line.
This midfield-forward combo could pose a threat to ASU if senior defender Mckenzie Grossman is unable to hold down that back line. Grossman has played very well this season and protected the Devils from more embarrassing losses, but she needs to be able to keep her fellow defenders in check in order to avoid giving up silly penalties in the box.
Hopeful to start in the midfield is Kylie Miniefield who had an amazing performance against Stanford last Sunday. The combination of her and senior Lucy Lara finally created movement through the midfield for the Devils, and allowed for more offensive moment.
Offensively, the team is unsure on whether or not juniors Jazmarie Mader or Aly Moon will be returning to play in tonight’s game. Both Mader and Moon are still sidelined from injuries earlier in the season. However, in the last game, freshman Olivia Hernandez and senior Larisa Staub were able to increase the pressure and getting things moving in the attacking half. If they are able to work the same kind of magic as they did against Stanford, this could become an interesting game.
As for goalkeeping this game, there are now three choices for coach Kevin Boyd to choose from. The very talented freshman Emma Malsy, solid performer Megan Delaney, or the senior who debuted this season against Stanford, and played an amazing game, Ashley March. All of these keepers bring something different to the table, but it’ll be interesting to see who snags todays starting position.
Next: ASU Football: Zane Gonzalez a Lou Groza Semifinalist
Kickoff will be at 3 p.m. at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium and will be broadcasted on Pac-12 Arizona.