Bruins beat down Sun Devils

(Photo: Steve Rodriguez/ASU Athletics)

The Arizona State women’s soccer team concluded its rigorous five game road trip tonight, falling to the second ranked UCLA Bruins 3-0.

It was the Sun Devils’ second time in four games taking on the No. 2 ranked team in the country, and UCLA overwhelmed Arizona State from the start.

The Sun Devils back line remained stout throughout the majority of the first half, crowding extra defenders in the box and playing tight, woman-to-woman defense. However, UCLA continued to create tremendous opportunities and pressure on Sun Devil goalkeeper Chandler Morris. The Bruins offense would finally break through in the 17th minute when Ally Courtnall netted her first goal of the season in a shot from the top of the penalty box.

UCLA controlled much of the possession in the first half, and the Sun Devils were incredibly fortunate to only be down 1-0, as they only had two shots on goal.

UCLA squelched any hope the Sun Devils had of a comeback with two quick goals to start the second half. In a brilliant display of physicality and speed, freshman forward Darian Jenkins found the right corner of the net for her ninth goal of the season. Fourteen minutes later, forward Courtney Proctor put UCLA up 3-0 with her second goal of the season. UCLA goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland continued her dominance of Pac-12 opponents, preserving her conference lead in goals against average.

UCLA advanced to 16-1 all-time against the Sun Devils and 9-0 at home. UCLA also added its 10th shutout in 14 games.

After starting off their brutal five game road trip winning two of their first three games, the Sun Devils will go back to Tempe, riding a two game losing streak.

Despite their recent struggles, the remainder of Arizona State’s schedule appears to be favorable in their quest for a NCAA tournament spot. Playing four of their last five at home against teams with a slightly better RPI ranking, head coach Kevin Boyd will look to lead the Sun Devils to the tournament for the fourth time in five years.

Arizona State (8-6-1 overall, 3-3 in the PAC-12) will host Washington and Washington State next weekend at Sun Devils Stadium.

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post

Jacob Garcia

Recent Posts

Skinner’s career night propels ASU to narrow victory in season opener

(Photo credit: Aishling Cavanaugh/WCSN) TEMPE — With Desert Financial Arena buzzing, Arizona State found itself…

9 hours ago

Sun Devils prepare for Big 12 debut in Adair’s third year

(Photo credit: Marina Willams/WCSN) Excitement is brewing for Arizona State women’s basketball as the Sun…

21 hours ago

Sun Devils put up complete performance in fall exhibition against GCU

(Photo: Maya Diaz/WCSN) As warmup music echoed throughout GCU ballpark, baseball bats pinged and cleats…

2 days ago

Takeaways: Sun Devils Clinch Bowl Eligibility With Win Over Oklahoma State

With 22 seconds remaining in the first half Arizona State football found itself a single…

3 days ago

No. 13 Sun Devils Extend Win Streak to 10, Earn Season Sweep Over No. 22 Utah

(Photo: Katherine Gore/WCSN) In a match one month ago, No. 13 Arizona State Volleyball won…

3 days ago

Sun Devil arms against pros in exhibition against USA Baseball

(Photo: Austin Hurst/WCSN) PHOENIX - Senior right-handed pitcher Jack Martinez walked off the mound in…

3 days ago