An ASU defender deflects a pass in a scrimmage against NAU on Aug. 15 in West campus. (Photo by Emily Johnson)Backed by solid play in goal, and offense from the usual suspects, ASU cruised to a 2-0 win over a struggling Oklahoma State team in its home opener and the first game of the Sun Devil Classic.
ASU would improve to 3-1-1 after kicking off the Sun Devil Classic against Oklahoma State (0-5) in triple digit temperatures.
Both teams started out the first half full of energy, and had numerous shots on goal. The Sun Devils had multiple opportunities to score off of corners and failed to connect, and the Cowgirls had a few breakaway runs, but thanks to impressive goalkeeping by redshirt junior Chandler Morris, none of these attempts found the back of the net.
The heat seemed to get to Oklahoma State, as they looked sluggish and visibly drained at the first half.
The Sun Devils would come out of the locker room playing far more aggressive in the second half, creating more chances through crisp and efficient passing.
ASU coach Kevin Boyd attributed this shift to a heightened sense of urgency.
“We were just focusing more on our attack,” Boyd said. “We thought we did really well defensively, but weren't as happy with our attack. We came out with the intensity of making sure our attack clicked, and started to show the soccer we can play.”
ASU had 10 shots on goal to Oklahoma State's five, and junior goalkeeper Chandler Morris saved each attempt on goal that came from the Cowgirl strikers.
“There are times where you are just taking half chance shots, which means you are just getting those shots off,” Boyd said. “It’s very difficult to aim in that instance.”
The Sun Devils would get on the scoreboard in the 56th minute after a goal from freshman midfielder Aly Moon – her fifth of the season – picking up the rebound of a shot by junior forward Cali Farquharson, credited with the assist.
Redshirt sophomore midfielder Lucy Lara would also score for the Sun Devils in the 65th minute, via a free kick that ricocheted off off a Cowgirl defender and past senior keeper Rosa Medina putting the Sun Devils up 2-0.
With the game out of reach, OSU coach Colin Carmichael's frustrations earned him a yellow card for jawing with officials in the 68th minute.
Looking ahead, Sunday will bring a showdown with No. 6 Texas A&M on Sunday.
“We’re fortunate that we get to play great teams like that,” Boyd said. “We’re just looking forward to seeing a good team and playing on our field.”
Junior defender McKenzie Berryhill missed Friday's game due to an injury, and is currently listed as day to day.
“I’m supposed to talk to the doctors after this, obviously hoping for Sunday,” Boyd said. “She just got banged up a little bit.”
ASU hosts the No. 6 Texas A&M Aggies at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7 to close out the Sun Devil Classic.
Reach the reporter at mtsteine@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @MarcTSteiner
Like State Press Sports on Facebook and follow @statepresssport on Twitter.
