The 2015 season for ASU soccer could only be described as lackluster and disappointing. With injuries riddling the team’s best players and the departure of nine seniors, the Sun Devils look forward to the future after a disappointing 9-8-1 finish.
For head coach Kevin Boyd, last season was painful to accept after believing his team was among the best in the country.
“We thought we were probably a top 10 team and then it’s like everything collided at the same time and we didn’t find a way to get results,” Boyd said.
The prolific senior class last year was headlined by forward Cali Farquharson and defender Mckenzie Berryhill, who were both drafted into the NWSL. The loss of seniority and experience left gaping holes in important positions that need to be filled.
“This is a totally different team and I am not going to compare them to last year's because this team has great traits that we have seen in the Spring and preseason,” Boyd said. “I’m waiting to see if those traits continue to come out.”
However, the term “rebuilding year” is not in Boyd’s vocabulary. With the toppling amount of injuries last season, many players were tested mid-season and given the opportunity to prove themselves. The element of surprise and unknown are what Boyd is most excited about this season.
“I’m not really buying the term 'rebuilding year' because our opponents have no idea what to think of us,” Boyd said. “In the past, Cali was a massive factor for everybody and now we are going to survive without her. Teams aren’t sure what we are going to be bringing.”
With the first game of the season taking place on Friday against Boston University, Coach Boyd gave insight into each position and who should be on the radar.
Forward
It is no secret that Farquharson is a tough act to follow. She ended her ASU career No. 2 in program history for career goals (44) and career points (102).
Junior Jessica Raybe comes into the 2016 season after playing in 37 games (16 starts) over the past two years and was named Most Improved Player after her sophomore season.
“Jessica had a great season last year and emerged as an impact player and needs to step back into that role,” Boyd said.
Sophomore Natalie Stephens logged the most games out of her freshman class (12) and started one game. She is a standout on Coach Boyd’s list of breakout athletes.
“The one that I think is going to be special and make a huge mark is Stephens because she had a tremendous spring and has talents and capabilities that are out of this world,” Boyd said. “It’s just a matter of her bringing all the pieces together."
Incoming freshmen Olivia Hernandez and Christina Edwards both have the potential to make a huge impact on the team and hopefully soften the blow of losing a superstar like Farquharson.
Hernandez graduated from Westview High School in Avondale, Arizona with a staggering 141 goals for her career. Edwards, who can also play midfield, posted an impressive 70 goals and 29 assists at Summit High School in Bend, Oregon.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they started at points this fall because I think they are both capable of earning a starting spot as they continue to develop,” Boyd said of Hernandez and Edwards.
Midfield/ Defense
Tommi Goodman is yet another senior lost to graduation last year whose 52 starts in her career will be sorely missed in the midfield.
“Goodman started every game of her career until she broke her leg in our second Pac-12 game which ended her season and career and that was quite a blow,” Boyd said.
An interesting move made by Boyd this offseason was putting junior Aly Moon into the attacking midfield. Her sophomore year playing forward was excellent as she participated in all 18 games and finished second on the team in goals (13) and assists (5).
“Aly spent her sophomore season recovering from injury and never played to her full capability, and now she is the strongest and fittest she’s been,” Boyd said. “We’ve changed things and moved her into the attacking midfield so she’s not playing on the front line in order to soften the blow from graduation in that midfield.”
Redshirt freshman Kylie Miniefield comes into the 2016 season with plenty to prove after sustaining a knee injury prior to her arrival at ASU. However, her Spring and pre-season workouts have proved her role to be vital.
“Kylie has stepped into the holding mid role and I think she is going to be outstanding there,” Boyd said. “She was a very high recruit for us and high profile; I’ve coached her in her youth so from my experience with her I think she will be outstanding.”
Senior McKenzie Grossman and freshman Devyn Kelsey will lead the center back position this season for the Sun Devils, while Junior Taylor Coon has also made her mark on the coaching staff and proved that she is capable of holding down a defensive spot.
“Taylor has been my surprise of the preseason because the way she has been playing is like nothing we have seen since she arrived," Boyd said. "So she has emerged as a player that will be playing every game."
Goalkeeper
Another impactful graduated senior was Chandler Morris, who is the program's all-time leader in shutouts with 25.
Redshirt junior Megan Delaney and freshman Emma Malsy are fighting for the starting goalkeeper position this season, with skill and experience playing a factor in Boyd's decision.
“Those two are very, very even on what they’re doing,” Boyd said of Delaney and Malsy. “The edge, if I would give one, would have to be Megan because she has played a couple years in D1 so she has experience, but they are very close.”
Boyd looks to this season with his team in transition, but maintains a positive outlook.
“I’m excited because there are a lot of unknowns and a lot of younger players,” Boyd said. “Everything I’ve seen so far leads me to optimism and I am excited to see what we can do.”
Reach the reporter at kcvalen1@asu.edu or follow @kvalenzuela17 on Twitter.
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