After a disappointing Sun Devil Desert Classic, ASU soccer heads to Tucson to face Texas Tech & Florida Gulf Coast in the University of Arizona Tournament.
The Sun Devils kick off the tournament against the Texas Tech Red Raiders before facing Florida Gulf Coast on Sunday.
Coming off a high, after a 4-0 victory over Appalachian State University, the Red Raiders will be quite a road test for ASU. The two school have been meeting every odd year since 2011 and the Red Raiders lead the series 3-0 over the Sun Devils.
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The Sun Devils will need to utilize their offensive power in freshman Olive Jones, senior forward Jazmarie Mader and junior Jemma Purfield if they want to penetrate Texas Tech’s solid back line.
The Red Raiders veteran defensive line, alongside junior Carissa Christensen and freshman Marissa Zucchetto have managed four shut out victories in their five games this preseason.
ASU’s offense will need work on following the ball up top if they want to score, and score early against the Red Raiders. Having played three overtime games this preseason, only one of which coming out as a win for the Sun Devils, ASU has struggled with getting goals in regulation.
Also coming off a win, the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles will be the back half of the road test for the Sun Devils. ASU’s defensive line, led by senior Madison Stark and freshman goal keeper Nikki Panas will need to step up as they face the Eagles, who have scored at least three goals within their last five victories.
Panas, who holds the Sun Devils’ only win against San Diego State, seems to be a breakout star for the Sun Devils in goal. She’s started in the last three games for the Sun Devils and seems to be settling into the role of ASU’s official starting goal keeper.
With their record at 1-2-1, the Sun Devils need to come away with at least one win during this road tournament.
Next: ASU Soccer: Sun Devils fall 2-1 versus No. 24 UCF
Kickoff against Texas Tech is Friday at 4:30 p.m. PST on Pac-12 Arizona with Sunday’s game against Florida Gulf Coast at 3 p.m. PST on Pac-12 Network.