(Photo By: Sam Farsky/ WCSN)

Inconsistency has been the narrative for Arizona State Soccer (8-7-3, 3-7-1) during the 2024 season. After an impressive non-conference start that saw them remain undefeated with a record of 5-0-2, the Sun Devils struggled to find their footing in conference play, ending with a 3-7-1 record. This sharp decline can be attributed to their defensive struggles, as they have surrendered the fourth most goals in the conference, with 25 goals scored against them. In sharp contrast, their non-conference performances showcased a solid backline, allowing only four goals over seven games. This dramatic shift highlights one of the challenges ASU has faced in adapting to the rigors of their new conference competition, where every match carries heightened stakes and pressure.

Despite defensive setbacks, ASU secured a spot in the 2024 Sprouts Farmers Market Big 12 Soccer Championship and is set to clash with Kansas (9-5-4, 6-4-1). Kansas ranks 64 spots higher than the Sun Devils in the RPI, which is the official mathematical ranking system for all Division one women’s soccer teams. 

As the focus shifts to the Jayhawks, Arizona State Soccer aims to transform its rollercoaster season into a comeback story worth watching. Let’s take a close look at the numbers that have defined ASU’s regular season journey.

Offense

Total Goals – 31 (T-77th)

Goals Per Game – 1.72 (T-92nd)

Total Assists – 32 (T-52nd)

Assists Per Game – 1.78 (T-58th)

Total Points – 94 (T-64th)

Points Per Game – 5.22 (T-76th)

Shots Per Game – 13.44 (T-120th)

Shots on Goal Per Game – 6.00 (T-136th)

Shot Accuracy – 0.446 (202nd)

Corner Kicks Per Game – 4.78 (142nd)

Arizona State’s offense this season has been defined by a dynamic trio of forwards in the frontline: juniors Enasia Colon and Cameron Valladares, and standout freshman Kierra Blundell. Together, they formed an offensive force, accounting for 22 of ASU’s 31 goals—a combined 70% of the team’s scoring. Colon and Blundell, in particular, received well-deserved recognition for their impressive contributions, with Blundell named Big 12 Freshman of the Year and both players securing spots on the All-Big 12 Second Team. This trio’s connection and scoring have been the backbone of ASU’s attack.

With 31 goals this season, ASU’s offense sits tied for fifth in the Big 12 conference—a solid ranking in the upper 30th percentile that speaks to the team’s scoring potential. However, a deeper look reveals two different narratives for the season. In the first half, ASU’s offense was on fire, with 21 goals in its opening nine-game stretch. However, the second half of the season saw a decrease in production, with just 10 goals in the final nine games. An offensive slump of this magnitude heading into postseason play, should be alarming for head coach Graham Winkworth and his staff. Reigniting that early-season scoring spark will be crucial for the Sun Devils if they want to live to see another day in Kansas City.

ASU Offense v. Kansas Defense

As Arizona State gets set to take on Kansas Wednesday night, breaking through the Jayhawks’ defense—having conceded only 17 goals this season—will hinge on one key factor, getting the ball to their veteran star winger/forward, Colon. Kansas employs a three-back defensive formation, a setup that naturally creates space in wide areas and often leads to one-on-one situations. This setup plays right into Colon’s strengths: she thrives in isolated matchups, where her dribbling skills and speed give her an edge. Additionally, with Kansas’s compact three-back line, lanes are likely to open up, allowing Colon to spot gaps and feed her teammates making runs, creating even more scoring opportunities for ASU. If the Sun Devils can consistently involve Colon in these scenarios, they’ll be able to challenge the Kansas defense and put themselves in a position to win the match.

Defense

Goals Against – 25 (T-199th)

Goals Against Average – 1.389 (T-199th)

Fouls Per Game – 7.22 (T-35th)

Saves – 71 (T-188th)

Save Percentage – 0.740 (219th)

Shutouts – 6 (T-143rd)

Shutout Percentage – 0.333 (T-143rd)

On the defensive end, Arizona State has been dealing with significant struggles this season. Allowing the fourth most goals in the conference with 25. This concern escalates upon deeper inspection with the realization that the Sun Devils have surrendered a staggering 20 of the 25 goals in the second half of the season. This alarming statistic contrasts their earlier performance, where they only conceded five goals in their first nine games. The increase in goals highlights the vulnerabilities in their defense and raises questions of whether or not the Sun Devils are capable of playing a complete 90 minutes of soccer with a strong backline. Coach Winkworth must address this issue if he hopes to make any sort of noise at the Big 12 tournament.

ASU Defense v. Kansas Offense

For Arizona State to achieve success against Kansas, a strong defensive performance for the full 90 minutes must be executed. Keeping the score low will not only alleviate pressure on its own offense but also give the group the opportunity to play offensively and not worry so much about tracking back and staying compact. 

Kansas is known for its long-ball style of play, often playing direct passes to their athletic forwards, which can create dangerous scoring opportunities. To counter this, the Sun Devils need senior defender Olivia Coleman to take charge and closely mark these Jayhawk attackers. Coleman is the only ASU defender capable of matching the speed and physicality of the Jayhawks’ forwards, making her presence crucial in slowing down the opposing offense. By effectively disrupting Kansas’s attacking flow and maintaining defensive discipline, ASU can control the tempo of this game and give themselves the best chance to stay alive.

Team Success

Winning Percentage –  0.528 (T-151st)

Total Wins – 8 (T-151st)

Total Losses – 7 (T-151st)

Total Draws – 3 (T-151st)

The inaugural season in the Big 12 for Arizona State Women’s Soccer may have concluded with a lackluster 12th-place finish and a tough final stretch, but the Sun Devils have shown resilience and determination throughout. Now, as they step into the postseason, they find themselves playing in the most crucial matches of the year. This is the moment that every player has worked tirelessly for—the opportunity to compete when it matters most. Despite the setbacks, they have proven they belong in this tournament, ready to face any challenge that comes their way. With their sights set on redemption, the Sun Devils are ready to unleash their potential on the field. Every shot, every save, and every tackle will feel like the defining moment.

ASU needs to show that it can seize the moment and deliver when it matters most. The stakes are high, and if there are hopes of an NCAA tournament berth after the Big 12 tournament there is only way to achieve that. An at-large bid seems out of reach leaving winning out and winning eh conference tournament the only way forward for the Sun Devils. Losing is no longer an option. 

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