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ASU Soccer: Edwards hands Devils Senior Day win

By Nick Hedges

TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 10: Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky performs on the field during the first half of the college football game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Sun Devil Stadium on October 10, 2015 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 10: Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky performs on the field during the first half of the college football game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Sun Devil Stadium on October 10, 2015 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /
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An unbelievable strike from Christina Edwards sent ASU soccer on their way to a 1-0 win over the visiting Washington Huskies.

ASU soccer finally put together a complete performance to down the visiting Washington Huskies by a score of 1-0. The win on senior day capped an eventful career for Arizona State’s veterans and proved that ASU is capable of winning in the tough Pac-12.

Sophomore Christina Edwards put the finish on a game that the Sun Devils seemed to have control of all along.

“It was never going to be a high scoring match,” ASU head coach Graham Winkworth said. “We managed to get the goal we were looking for and create a few chances, and I’m really delighted for our seniors.”

The first half went largely back-and-forth as both teams strove for a breakthrough. Arizona State and Washington traded blows, but ASU made their intent to be physical apparent.

Their ability to muscle their way into possession gave them an edge in that department, but the Devils could not finish their chances.

A clear disparity between the two teams developed in the first half. Washington was perfectly content to take shots from outside the box.

On the other hand, ASU worked to open space in the box with incisive passes and crosses. Both approaches netted nothing going into halftime.

The Sun Devils came out of the gate fast to start the second half. Senior Jazmarie Mader nearly opened the scoring seconds into the period, and the ensuing corner was headed just wide.

As the half continued, ASU asserted control of the game. The Devils created several chances and made the Huskies uncomfortable. The only thing Arizona State was really missing was a goal.

That all changed in the 73rd minute when Edwards picked up the ball and fired a shot into the far corner from about 30 yards away. The unbelievable strike gave Arizona State a lead to defend the rest of the way.

“It all happened so fast,” Edwards said. “Coach [Winkworth] always talks about being brave and taking shots, and even if it had gone to the keeper, maybe they bobble it and we follow it.”

Washington refused to go quietly. The visitors created several chances to equalize. Their best chance came when midfielder Olivia Van der Jagt put a free header just over the bar.

The Sun Devils retook control just in time to drain the remainder of the clock, earning a hard fought win. The game seemed to be a culmination of everything ASU had done well over the course of the year.

“I think it’s just the icing on the cake for us,” senior Madison Stark said. “I know my class has gone through a lot, especially these past two years, and to end it with a win is just phenomenal and all we ever wanted for this day.”

Next: ASU Soccer: Second half goal propels Wazzou past Sun Devils

The season is not quite over for ASU soccer. They take the field one last time in Tucson Thursday against Arizona. The upcoming rendition of the Territorial Cup could decide whether the Wildcats qualify for the NCAA Tournament.