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ASU Soccer: What’s in store for the defensive line?

ByAlyanna kathrine Harina|
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 09: Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky the Sun Devil performs during the team's quarterfinal game of the Pac-12 Basketball Tournament against the Oregon Ducks T-Mobile Arena on March 9, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Oregon won 80-57. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 09: Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky the Sun Devil performs during the team's quarterfinal game of the Pac-12 Basketball Tournament against the Oregon Ducks T-Mobile Arena on March 9, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Oregon won 80-57. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

After a dismal last season, finishing the conference with the second-most conceded goals, we take a look at the ASU soccer defense.

Recording 6-11-2 and finishing last in the conference last season, ASU soccer has under gone signings, transfers, and the resignation of ten year head coach Kevin Boyd.

Former South Alabama head coach Graham Winkworth takes over as the new head coach for the Sun Devils.

One of the Sun Devils’ biggest struggles last season was their defense, finishing the season with 28 conceded goals, only one above Washington and Oregon State with 29.

This season, with the Pac-12 poll placing them tied for last with Oregon State, ASU’s adjustments will need to place a heavy emphasis on what they are doing on the defensive.

Returning seniors Madison Stark and Taylor Coon will lead the back four this season. Being the most experienced players in the defensive line, Stark starting 18 and playing 19 games and Coon with 12 starts in 17 games last season, they will be the ones to anchor the back line.

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Sophomore Devyn Kelsey, who recorded an assist in her freshman year last season, along with 19 starts, will also join Coon and Stark in the back line.

However, perhaps the biggest changes will come from junior transfers Angela Boyle and Jemma Purfield.

Boyle, coming from spending the last two seasons with the Oklahoma Sooners will be a strong addition the back line.

With 18 starts in 22 games for the Sooners last season, along with a career high of 23 shots, and a goal against Cal State Northridge for the Sun Devils, Boyle will bring a much needed versatility to the ASU defense.

Purfield, a 2017 MAC Hermann contender, who has spent the last two seasons under Winkworth at South Alabama, leading the Jaguars in goals (11), would be a great contributor to the movement in the Sun Devils’ back line.

Reigning Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Purfield could be a leading factor in cutting down the goals conceded for the upcoming season.

Coming off a 1-0 win against CSUN, from a set piece goal from Boyle on a Purfield corner, even the dynamic between the two transfers will be interesting to watch.

Next: ASU Soccer: Who will be the starting goalkeeper?

With their fair share of changes within the program, it’s no doubt that the Sun Devils are making strides to improve. Beginning their season, the Sun Devils face Ohio State on Friday in Tempe.