Game planning for the University of North Carolina means preparing for goals.
North Carolina women's soccer brought one of the nation's best offenses to the desert. The Tar Heels entered ranked No. 9 in the country, averaging the fourth-most shots per game (21.6) and the 10th-most goals per game (3.6).
Sophomore midfielder/forward Bella Devey's six goals are tied for the 13th most in Division I. Summer Denigan, the graduate midfielder with five goals and three assists, ranks ninth in the country with 2.6 points per game.
Yet they managed just one goal at Sun Devil Soccer and Lacrosse Stadium.
ASU's defense suffocated them. They could only muster four shots. It was the first time this season the Tar Heels scored fewer than two goals, having a prior lowest shot tally of 19.
Their lone goal — a penalty kick in the 33rd minute.
This kick was enough to get UNC a 1-0 win on Sunday. Despite suffering the first defeat of the season, ASU walked away emboldened by its performance.
"It was gritty," graduate and team captain Peyton Marcisz said. "We were working hard. A lot of it was before, in pregame: hype each other up, give each other confidence. Know that it's just a game of soccer ... we had heart and we wanted to win."
While its performance didn't result in a win, the product proved a point. This is a different Sun Devil side; one that won't shy away from the proven programs.
They dragged the Tar Heels into a physical, defensive contest. One which silenced one of the most potent attacks in the country and built upon an already established defensive resume.
Coach Graham Winkworth, in hopes of preparing his side for Big 12 play, built a gauntlet. At the precipice was one of the most prestigious programs in college sports.
"There's no weak team in our conference," Winkworth said. "So playing against this sort of elite opponent in the nonconference, it's not going to be as eye-opening when we get into conference play, because we've already been playing teams of that caliber."
In years past, the Sun Devils haven't held their own in conference. Since joining the Big 12 in 2024, they've won just six games while losing 12. Last year, they failed to reach the conference tournament.
So, Winkworth put winning programs in front of the Sun Devils. Before UNC, they pummeled Mid-American Conference contender Buffalo 5-0. They beat defending Big West champions Cal Poly 2-0. They handled last year's NCAA Sweet Sixteen contenders LSU 1-0.
They also pulled off two 1-1 draws against SEC side Texas and last season's Ivy League champion Dartmouth.
"There's teams that schedule really light," Winkworth said. "Look at some teams in the Big Ten that are scheduled really light and are bragging about all of the goals that they're scoring. But they haven't played anybody."
Throughout the season, the Sun Devils have built a defensive identity and its what kept them alive against the Tar Heels.
Senior defenders Natalie Drotzmann and Lucy Fazackerley were at the heart of the group's effort. Both made several last-ditch tackles in the defensive third, breaking up UNC's attacks.
But the Sun Devils' stout defense has taken more than just their defenders. The whole team has pitched in. Throughout their first seven games, they've only conceded four goals.
"It's not a case of relying on certain players to defend for us," Winkworth said. "Everybody, all 11 players, defend for us and I think that everyone is really owning that."
It took everyone against the Tar Heels. The Sun Devils knew they weren't going to have possession, so they created a nightmare for UNC's dribblers, which showed in their 12 fouls.
"We don't want to be a soft team," Winkworth said. "We're not trying to be dirty. We're not trying to foul anybody, but we want to be physical."
The next step is to connect defense to their attack, managing just three shots, with one on target against the Tar Heels. ASU averages 13.9 shots per game, with only 34% of those on target.
Junior forward Kierra Blundell, provided ASU's clearest attacking threat. She showed off her dribbling ability, getting herself into space and showcasing her firepower on the field.
In the second half, ASU as a whole provided more life. They outshot UNC 2-1. Despite not finding the equalizer, the squad grew as the game progressed.
"We all had our heads up at the end of the game," Marcisz said. "That second half, everyone saw, everyone watched. We had them for a good amount. They were on their toes, on their heels, trying to go to the corner flag and they only scored a PK."
ASU spent the nonconference season testing itself against teams with pedigree to learn how to play against the best. Throughout, they’ve consistently proven capable.
Now, they'll see if the preparation can translate to their best year yet in the Big 12.
"Like I said to the girls, if you play like this, with this sort of level of intensity, heart, passion, quality defensively and add a bit of quality offensively, then we can achieve our goals this season," Winkworth said. "I look forward to some really intense Big 12 games."
Edited by Char O'Neil, Alan Deutschendorf III and Senna James.
Reach the reporter at jakobarnarsson@gmail.com and follow @JakobA2004 on X.
Like The State Press on Facebook and follow @statepress on X.
