Arizona State set for duel with No. 6 Texas A&M

(Photo: Steve Rodriguez/ASU Athletics)

Arizona State is back at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium for the 2014 season.

On Friday, the Sun Devils (3-1-1) picked up a win in their first home game this season against Oklahoma State, 2-0.

On Sunday, ASU faces No. 6 Texas A&M (4-0-1).

Arizona State has been consistently changing lineups early in the season, giving many players an opportunity to show their worth.

“The mix and match early in the season is for two reasons,” head coach Kevin Boyd said. “One, it’s for available players based on injury, and it’s trying to get an idea of who plays well together.”

Texas A&M looks to build on its record Sunday in Tempe, as they’ve still yet to lose a match in 2014. The Aggies tied with the Arizona Wildcats, 2-2, on Friday.

Texas A&M have scored 14 goals in their five games this season, and the Sun Devils will need to convert every chance they get Sunday.

On Aug. 24, Stephen F. Austin gave the Aggies one of their toughest games of the season, and the Aggies still were able to pull out a 1-0 victory. Ladyjacks goalkeeper Morgan Glick recorded eight saves in a game where Texas A&M found space for 35 shots.

Arizona State will need a similar performance out of two-year starter Chandler Morris or freshman Lexi Bounds, who have split time between the uprights this season. Chandler Morris got the start on Friday and recorded five saves and a clean score sheet.

Whether Boyd lines up ASU in his 4-3-3 – with a triangle or inverted triangle midfield – or a 4-4-2 – with a diamond midfield system – the Sun Devils’ back line will change the tempo of the game against the Aggies.

Texas A&M boasts the ability to create a lot of offensive opportunities, and ASU will need to stay organized in the front of the ball limiting shots. Transition will also be important, as the Arizona State defense will look to release the ball quickly to Aly Moon, Lucy Lara and company in quick counterattacks, where Cali Farquharson excels with her ability to take on defenders.

On Friday, McKenzie Grossman’s performance against OSU proved the defensive unit can stay organized and connected even without McKenzie Berryhill (All-Pac-12 Second Team in 2013), who is currently listed as a game-time decision.

“We want all of our Sun Devil supporters to come out and watch us,” Boyd said. “I think we have a lot of talent. We have a lot of players that are fun to watch. So I want the local people to see that.”

The game between ASU and Texas A&M will be played Sunday at 1 p.m. in Sun Devil Soccer Stadium.

You can reach Anthony Prosceno via e-mail at aproscen@asu.edu or on Twitter at @The_A_Pro.