Kansas hands the Sun Devils their first Big 12 loss of the season

Photo courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics

Back on the road, the Arizona State soccer team found themselves in unfamiliar territory for the first time since September third. This outing, however, was very different than the last against Dartmouth.

The Sun Devils (6-1-3, 1-1-0 Big 12) took on Kansas (7-2-1, 1-0-1 Big 12) in a game that head coach Graham Winkworth likely hopes to move past, as Kansas won 2-0.

Although ASU dominated on the offensive side of the ball, they allowed two goals to Kansas, with fifth-year midfielder Livvy Moore assisting both.

First goal conceded from open play

After last week’s convincing victory over Utah, Winkworth said his defense has been impressive all season. At that point, they’d allowed only six goals all season.

All six of those goals share one commonality: all from set pieces. With Winkworth as the set-piece coach, he took the blame and instead praised the team for their valiant effort in open field.

Thursday night saw that defensive run come to an end as fourth-year defender Caroline Costas found herself in the perfect position in the box off a deep cross over the middle from Moore.

Winkworth will have a lot to discuss with his team, and that will only make their film study that much more intense. The Sun Devils now find themselves with a 1-1 record in the Big 12 with a lot more soccer to be played.

Offensive Struggles

The Sun Devils entered Thursday’s matchup against the Jayhawks having won two consecutive games, outscoring their opponents 11-1. The team seemed to have found their offensive identity.

Whether it was fifth-year midfielder Peyton Marcisz scoring a brace in her outing during Grambling State, or third-year forward Kierra Blundell showing out during the Big 12 opener and scoring a brace against the Utes, the team simply always seemed to have an answer for their matchup.

However, the Jayhawks seemed to know exactly what to throw at ASU. Kansas completely immobilized the Sun Devils in the first half, allowing one shot and none on target from ASU.

After a disappointing defeat to then-No.10 UNC, where they took three shots, with one on target, Winkworth was vocal in his desire for the Sun Devils to have 50% of their shots end on target.

Against Kansas, Winkworth did not see his prior wishes come true. Despite a valiant second-half effort, the Sun Devils ultimately finished with seven shots, and only two on target – a mere 28%, far below what Winkworth wanted.

Discipline Struggles

One thing that the Sun Devils exhibited during their bout against the Jayhawks was their intensity.

However, Arizona State may have taken it to another level. Throughout the first minutes of the game, the refs made it clear they were going to allow physicality.

During the first half, they recorded nine fouls, well over the season average.

While this may have been perceived as something good, their physicality may have been what cost them the game. After allowing their first goal in the 33rd minute to fourth-year forward Jocelyn Herrema, the Sun Devils only got more intense.

A team that has become known for their second-half comebacks earlier in the season looked like a team out of sorts and lacked an identity. Their body language was often the biggest sign, with their facial expressions, shrugging of shoulders, and inability to focus on their next play.

They ended up finishing their battle with the Jayhawks recording 14 fouls, which is their second most all season. Simply, not something they can afford to do in conference play.

As they continue their road trip, they will face Kansas State (5-1-4, 0-1-1 Big 12) on Sunday, looking to bounce back in the Big 12.

Winkworth looks to have the Sun Devils ready, trying to avoid 2 losses in a row, which would be the first time that has happened all season.