ASU Soccer: Sun Devils fall to Washington State after hard fought battle

(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN)

The Arizona State women’s soccer team was unable to take a win in their first of the two final home games of the season, as they lost to Washington State on Thursday 1-0.

Even though the only goal of the game wasn’t scored until the 65 minute of the game, the Sun Devils trailed most of the game barely having any possession against WSU. Their first shot didn’t even happen until the second half.

Due to the lack of offense for the Sun Devils, the defense had to step up and the Sun Devils held their ground against an athletic Cougars team.

“We set up in a defensive set up today where we knew we were going to be outshot considerably,” said head coach Graham Winkworth after the loss. “Because they are so fast and athletic up top, we could not allow them the space in behind.”

Cougars’ sophomore forward Morgan Weaver and freshman forward Elyse Bennett controlled the offense all night long. Bennett’s skills and play making abilities gave the team opportunities to put one in the back of the night.

Weaver’s speed up top tested both Angela Boyle and Madison Stark all night, but Boyle and Stark held down their territory, only allowing Weaver, the Cougars’ leading goal scorer, to three shots on net.

On the other hand, Bennett had a strong night for Washington State tallying 11 shots with three of those on net. The lone goal came from Bennett off a cross from Sydney Pulver. Bennett was straight in the middle of two Arizona State players when she headed the ball into the net.

Defense for the Sun Devils came from all over the field. Only four minutes into the match during a Washington State corner kick, freshman goalkeeper Nikki Panas was unable to make the save from a Cougar’s header, but waiting on the goal line was midfielder Kylie Miniefield, who headed the ball out.

But, that wasn’t the end for Miniefield, as the ball came back at her and she was able to boot the ball out of box for the Sun Devils, allowing the game to stay at tied 0.

“It’s always a relief on me because it doesn’t make me look as bad,” said Panas. “I have to say that my team has my back all the time.”

ASU started playing with three defensemen, then pushing one up into the midfield to try to generate offense after Bennett’s goal. The team pushed until the end, including a close shot by senior Jazmarie Mader.

The Devils’ 1-0 loss to Washington State isn’t something they can hang their heads down for long because on Sunday, they will be taking on Washington. However, senior day is Sunday, so it will be a special day not only for the seniors, but the team as well.

“I cry sometimes thinking about it (senior day),” Mader said while holding back tears. “I am really happy that I stayed here and I came through this journey with my seniors because it was quite the rollercoaster, but it’s really weird thinking about it all being over.”

Sunday’s game will begin at 1 p.m. for the final home match of season for the Sun Devils before they travel down to Tucson to take on the University of Arizona.