(Photo: Steve Rodriguez/ASU Athletics)
After her first weekend as a Pac-12 forward, freshman Aly Moon received the Pac-12 offensive player of the year award.
“It’s probably the first time we’ve had a freshman get that award in the first weekend,” head coach Kevin Boyd said. “Outstanding for her, well deserved.”
Moon’s first weekend for the Sun Devils consisted of three goals, an assist and a drawn penalty in the box – which preceded a goal from the spot by defender McKenzie Berryhill.
“It’s a humbling experience, but I think it shows we have to keep working hard and playing hard as a team,” Moon said.
The freshman out of Brea, Calif. didn’t know where she would fit coming into the season.
“Obviously I want to play, but I know that there are people ahead of me that I need to learn from and work hard to push them and myself,” Moon said.
Before she added Pac-12 Women’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Week to her resume, Moon was playing with some of the top prospects in the country. Moon helped lead her club team – Legends G95 – and Olympic Development Program’s state team – Cal South ODP ’95 Girls – to national titles.
However, Moon said she still needs to make an adjustment to playing at the collegiate level.
“It’s faster here,” Moon said. “There are bigger girls here that are physical. It’s a big adjustment, but not one I don’t think I can’t make.”
Before the season began, Boyd said that Moon “is a player who can help fill the void left by the graduation of Holland Crook.” His views of her playing style have changed since training began over three weeks ago.
“She’s actually got a blend of Holland and Devin [Marshall] together in a different sized package,” Boyd said. “She has a bit of abilities of both of them. Obviously she is filling in quite well.
“Holland brought other traits. She also brought tremendous leadership and a mindset that was spot-on for the team. That took time to develop, and it will take time for Aly to develop that, but she has that potential as well.”
Moon said she wants to keep improving her game to help her team.
“There is always somewhere to go,” she said. “You just have to play hard and win games.”
You can reach Anthony Prosceno via e-mail at aproscen@asu.edu or on Twitter at @The_A_Pro.
