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ASU Soccer: Sun Devils open Pac-12 play against the Beavers

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)

Conference play is in the air as ASU soccer look to kick off their Pac-12 slate against the Oregon State Beavers.

Coming off a 4-0 win against Weber State, the ASU soccer team looks to carry on their momentum as they start a very challenging conference schedule.

After an explosive game against Weber State, sophomore defensive mid, Devyn Kelsey may be the player to watch in Friday’s game against OSU. Kelsey recorded a goal and an assist in their game against Weber State last Sunday and was the only player to start all 19 games for the Sun Devils last season.

Kelsey’s ability to maneuver the ball downfield and create opportunities for the Sun Devils, along with her tenacity to get back on defense will be crucial for the Sun Devils. Kelsey’s footwork alone could be a struggle for the Beavers but combined with her ability to find junior transfer Jemma Purfield on the sideline will create problems for OSU’s backline.

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OSU will still be a battle for the Sun Devils as they are 4-1-0 in their last five road games. The Sun Devils will really need to hammer down the importance in following their shots if they want to put some goals up against the OSU defense and senior goal keeper Bella Geist.

Geist currently leads the Pac-12 in saves and has passed Hope Solo and Sloane Cox in Pac-12 history for career saves, moving into ninth.

Recording three 0-0 ties between both ASU’s and OSU’s preseasons, two of which in double overtimes, it would be highly unlikely that either teams put up very many goals on the board.

However, it will be an interesting match-up as both teams come to the pitch with very different cultures backing them. Head coach Graham Winkworth, in his first year of coaching the Sun Devils, has a very young ASU team under his belt, with many of his starters being new to the program, including Purfield, freshman striker Olive Jones, and not to mention freshman goalkeeper Nikki Panas, who seems to be securing her spot as the Sun Devils starting goalkeeper.

OSU head coach Linus Rhode on the other hand is in his 10th season with the Beavers and is leading a team with plenty of experience under their belt, with Geist and senior forward Nikki Farris.

Next: ASU Soccer: Sun Devils Dominate Weber State 4-0

Kick off for the Pac-12 opener will be Friday at 7 p.m. PST and can be watched on the ASU Live Stream.