(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN)
Tempe, Ariz. – The Sun Devils women’s soccer squad (6-3-2, 0-1-1 Pac-12) battled hard Thursday night against the #5 ranked University of Southern California Trojans (8-1-1, 1-1-0), but lost 2-1 on a last-minute goal in Tempe.
Trailing the entire half after conceding an own goal off a corner in the 7thminute, the Sun Devils made some noise when striker Marleen Schimmer shot an incredible long-distance strike from just outside the box and into the top right corner to tie the game at 1 in the 62nd minute. Despite Arizona State’s brave efforts, USC scored a second goal off another corner in the final minute of the game.
Sun Devils leading goal scorer Nicole Douglas had an opportunity to tie the game after Arizona State miraculously drew a penalty with less than 20 seconds remaining. However, USC goalkeeper Anna Smith recorded her only save of the game to clinch the win for the Trojans and break the hearts of Sun Devil players and coaches.
“I’m devastated for them because I love them so much,” said Coach Winkworth. “But, it just shows that we can play with some of the best teams in the country, and on another day all that hard work and defending might pay off.”
The Sun Devils were somewhat content with their efforts due to their acknowledgement of the level of their opponents.
“Last year we actually played a good game against USC, but this year it was an incredible game. I’m so proud of the team,” said Schimmer. We fought. Everybody gave 110%. We’re all dying out there but I’m so proud of the team and happy to be on the field with them.”
The match did not start off well as ASU conceded an own goal off a corner kick in the 7th minute to put them down 1-0. The match turned into an uphill battle at that point, against a team that normally dominates possession in their play. In the first half, the Trojans outshot the Sun Devils 8 to 2 and controlled a whopping 68% of possession.
Arizona State continued to prove they are a second half team, as they generated many counter attacks throughout the course of the half. It wasn’t until the 62nd minute that Schimmer converted what Coach Graham Winkworth referred to as a “wonder-goal,” on a strike from outside the box.
The Trojans definitely turned on the pressure as they dominated the game for the next 25 minutes with a flurry of attacking chances. On a corner kick in the 89th minute, the ball deflected off Trojan defender Kaylin Martin’s thigh and into the goal giving USC what seemed like a surefire win. Coach Graham was displeased about conceding two goals off two set pieces.
“I think for the most part we did a fantastic job in dealing with that threat,” said Winkworth. It’s just disappointing to lose on set pieces really, because in open play it’s a 1-0 game.”
With only 38 seconds left to play, many fans believed the game to be over, but the Sun Devils miraculously generated an attack off the ensuing kick-off. Martin, who believed to have won the game, fouled the Sun Devils in the box which resulted in a penalty kick. In a matter of 17 seconds, ASU had a chance to tie it 2-2, but Douglas was unable to convert the opportunity with just 20 seconds left in the match.
Anna Smith’s save won the game for the Trojans, but was her only save of the match. On the other side, Giulia Cascapera kept ASU in the game throughout the 90 minutes with five saves.
Sun Devils coach Graham Winkworth made no substitutes the entire match in an effort to maintain the defensive mindset he instilled in his team coming into the game. They adjusted their formation slightly, exhibiting five defenders to start the match for the first time this year. The defense was locked in for the majority of the game and he saw no reason to make any changes.
“A lot of us didn’t even realize that we didn’t sub. I think it honestly helps to keep our momentum, said Sun Devils midfielder Kylie Miniefield. “So if our energy doesn’t dip there’s really no reason to bring anyone else in. If it’s going good why change it?”
The lack of substitutions helped the Sun Devils maintain their focus and identity against the Trojans. There is no denying that this was ASU’s toughest matchup of the season, as this is the second-highest ranked team in the Pac-12 behind Stanford, whom the Sun Devils have yet to play. ASU is still looking to record their first win in league play.
“Pac-12 is the best league in the nation and we are lucky to play in this league,” said Schimmer. “It’s a totally different level.”
The Sun Devils will host the No. 10 UCLA Bruins on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. in Sun Devil Soccer Stadium to cap an incredibly tough home-stand for the squad.
