(Photo: Hailey Rogalski/WCSN)
After a statement win over rivals Arizona, Arizona State Women’s Soccer (9-5-3, 5-5-1 Pac-12) look to regroup and refocus as they are set to kick off the NCAA Women’s College Cup this weekend, taking a trip up north to play at Portland (11-4-4, 5-4 WCC) in the first round.
For the Sun Devils, last week was the pinnacle of their season beating Arizona for the first time since 2015. The fans played a large role in creating a tough atmosphere for their opponents, which will be missed this weekend.
“I’m more disappointed for our fans than anything else because the environment created last Friday night and I’d love another night like that,” head coach Graham Winkworth said.
On the road ASU has played well beating teams like Washington State and Colorado; the senior class experience could play a big role in the match.
“We work hard to make sure the chemistry off the pitch is close, which enables us to hold higher standards on the pitch, Winkworth said. “You can hammer someone, hold them to high standards, and they’re doing that because they care.”
One of those experienced players is graduate forward Nicole Douglas. She capped off her season with 14 goals leading the conference to award her the Pac-12 forward of the year award. Coach Winkworth had high praise for his number nine.
‘It’s incredible if your [Douglas] saying you’re the best forward in the Pac-12 you’re probably a top 3 forward in the country,” Winkworth said.
Douglas will have a large part to play on both sides of the ball if ASU wants to advance on Saturday.
Portland had itself an impressive season, finishing fourth in the WCC amongst teams like Santa Carla and BYU, two of the country’s premiere sides.
The Pilots had their fair share of fixtures against Pac-12 opponents, managing to earn draws to Oregon, Utah, and Washington early in the season.
Portland’s defensive record speaks for itself. Only 17 goals were conceded in 19 matches, the 2nd best defensive record in the WCC and 77th in the country.
Sophomore goalkeeper Bre Norris is one to be praised for their impressive defensive record. Her 85 percent save percentage in 18 matches ranks 11th in the country in clean sheets. The premier shot-stopper may cause problems for the Sun Devils.
The Pilots are an elite side at home as well with an undefeated record in Portland. The side has an incredible (9-0-3), however, they have found a rough patch lately, losing four of their last six, and failing to score in three matches struggling to close out conference play.
The First Round matchup is going down at 8 p.m. MST, on Saturday, Nov. 12 in Portland.
