Devils in Detail
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ASU Soccer: Three players transfer from the program

By Sam Ficarro

TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 14: Arizona State Sun Devils mascot, 'Sparky' following the college football game against the Washington Huskies at Sun Devil Stadium on November 14, 2015 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Huskies 27-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 14: Arizona State Sun Devils mascot, 'Sparky' following the college football game against the Washington Huskies at Sun Devil Stadium on November 14, 2015 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Huskies 27-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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As ASU soccer prepares to embark on the 2017 under first-year head coach Graham Winkworth, three players have transferred from the program.

ASU soccer are coming off a poor season with injuries and an untested group of young players forced to carry the team.

The Sun Devils finished 6-11-2 last season including 1-9-1 in Pac-12 play leading to the resignation of long-time head coach Kevin Boyd.

Taking over the program is head coach Graham Winkworth after leading one of the best mid-major programs, South Alabama, to four consecutive Sun Belt championships.

As is the case when a new coach takes over any program, some players opt to transfer and get a fresh start.

Three players made that decision to leave Arizona State, who begin their season August 18 versus Ohio State.

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Midfielder Olivia Hernandez transferred to Mississippi State after just one season in Tempe recording two assists in 16 games played.

The Phoenix native was a bright spot in what was a down year for the Sun Devils showing a lot of poise in the midfield and was likely going to get increased playing time after the graduation of Lucy Lara.

Another player transferring is goalkeeper Emma Malsy, who is Kansas State-bound.

The sophomore goalkeeper made the second most starts last season in her freshman season playing in nine games and starting eight.

Malsy made 29 saves and allowed 13 goals last season including tying the team-lead with two shutouts.

The third player transferring from the program is forward Jamie Salas, who’s joining Division-II program Hawaii Hilo.

Salas didn’t get a ton of playing time last season despite the injuries at the position.

The junior forward finished last season with only 357 minutes played in 16 games last season tallying one assist and one shot on goal.

The transfers open up playing time for some players, especially at goalkeeper where sophomore Megan Delaney and senior Ashley March.

Delaney started the most games for the Sun Devils recording a team-high 46 saves, three wins and two shutouts last season.

March only started on Senior Day versus Stanford last season conceding two goals and making two saves in a 2-1 defeat to one of the best teams in the country.

With Arizona State’s two leading goal scorers coming back in senior Jazmarie Mader and junior Adriana Orozco, ASU should be able to put shots in the back of the net.

Key will be the defense after the graduation of their best defender, McKenzie Grossman, and staying healthy.

Next: ASU Football: New coordinators bringing a culture change to Tempe

If Arizona State can shore up their defense and stay healthy, this team could create problems for opponents this season.