Arizona State soccer faces No. 9 North Carolina for ASU’s first-ranked matchup of the season

Photo: Jordan Keats/WCSN

After opening the season with a record crowd at home, Arizona State soccer’s 4-0-2 record puts the Sun Devils on a hot streak as they enter their matchup against the No. 9-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels. 

ASU has been on a good run of results, beginning their season with victories over New Mexico State, Buffalo, LSU and Cal Poly while conceding only three goals so far this season. 

On Thursday, ASU faced Dartmouth and picked up a point after going down 1-0 at the end of the first half. Junior forward Kierra Blundell’s return to the squad helped ASU take the draw, as she scored in the 90th minute.

In the second half against Dartmouth, the Sun Devils outshot their opponents, 12-2, as they fought their way back in the game.

ASU is currently undefeated, benefiting from its dominance at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium. Through four home games, the Sun Devils have won three and drawn one, with a goal differential of +8. 

In yet another home game, ASU hosts the North Carolina Tar Heels, who hold a 4-1 record, on Sunday.

The Tar Heels look to continue their road success, as they’ve started the season 2-0 away from home. UNC’s biggest win came in a 2-1 victory over Arizona in Tucson, Thursday night.

Sophomore attacker Bella Devey leads the way with six goals through the opening five games. Alongside Devey, graduate student midfielder Summer Dennigan has posted five goals and three assists this season, scoring in each of the last four games.

This is likely the toughest task yet for ASU, as UNC will be its first ranked opponent this season on Sunday. 

With six brand new starters, the Sun Devils have had plenty of new faces this season, bringing in 15 newcomers. 

Sophomore goalkeeper Kennedy Zorn has kept her goals-allowed average to just 0.52, with an 84.2% save percentage. 

However, even with Zorn playing well between the sticks, the Tar Heels will be a tough task with one of the most electric offenses in the country, posting 18 goals and a 3.80 goals-per-game. 

The Sun Devils have high expectations for the season and will be tested by the Tar Heels on, Sunday, Sept. 6th, at 10 a.m. MST in Tempe.

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