ASU Soccer: Sun Devils look to build off good start in Pac-12 play

TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 01: The Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky runs onto the field before the start of a college football game against the Utah Utes at Sun Devil Stadium on November 1, 2014 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 01: The Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky runs onto the field before the start of a college football game against the Utah Utes at Sun Devil Stadium on November 1, 2014 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

ASU soccer looks to build off of strong start in non conference play as they head into tough Pac-12 schedule starting against California.

Sun Devils wrap up an impressive start to non-conference play ending 5-2 and head to California for their first Pac-12 game. 

The Pac-12 is loaded with talented teams with not only the defending champions and currently ranked No. 1 Stanford, but also USC who is No. 3 and UCLA coming in No. 8. 

The team made it clear that they will look to dominate possession and make extra passes if needed to make clear, goal threatening chances. When the Sun Devils were able to do so the team was able to create many chances and in most cases come out with a win. 

Another factor that will come into play is the depth of the squad. This team has 33 players who all add their unique talents. 

It will be huge down the stretch due to the the fact the Sun Devils will have to play two games a week sometimes two games in the span of four days.

Players will get tired and some will not be doing well for a period and when you have the ability to bring in one of many players to fill in weak spots at any moment helps head coach Graham Winkworth do his job with ease. 

One thing Winkworth pinpoint about this team, in the press conference after Weber State, was the chemistry. 

“The team has amazing camaraderie,” Winkworth said. “The team is so tight. They are happy to be Sun Devils and its that type of chemistry that goes a long way.”

One thing the team will look to improve on is the offense. Although freshman forward Nicole Douglas has five goals in the season, the team will need to score with more success with the chances they create.

A win is a win but when you face the heart of the schedule, UCLA, USC and Stanford in span of nine days. Those teams will not let you have the possession as much and as much chances so when the Sun Devils do they will need to capitalize on the chances they get. 

With talent like seniors Jemma Purified and Casey Martinez in the heart of team, they should be able to get the ball forward. The key will be how will they be able to score when they get to final third of the attack. 

One thing to keep a eye on for the team is the players playing because the team has no set starting lineup which includes the goalkeepers, a battle between sophomore goalkeeper Nikki Panas and senior goalkeeper Sydney Day. The team will be those who perform will and earn their spot, as WInkworth highlighted. 

Pac-12 play will kickoff this Saturday at California with kickoff time being at 1 pm. PT.

All quotes in this article were obtained firsthand by Devils in Detail unless otherwise noted.