Preview: ASU and Cincinnati square off in the Queen City

(Photo: Jack Simon/WCSN)

Arizona State soccer travels east for a Thursday night showdown against Cincinnati, seeking to bounce back from its first defeat in over a month while keeping pace in the tightly packed Big 12 standings

After falling 3-2 at home to UCF on Sept. 28, ASU now ranks seventh in the Big 12. The Bearcats sit at the bottom of the conference and are winless in conference play. The Sun Devils now travel to Gettler Stadium for the start of their long road trip as the match begins at 7 p.m. ET.

While the two programs have met once in 2024, a 3-1 ASU win, the stakes are clear: the Sun Devils are looking to climb back toward the top half of the Big 12, and Cincinnati is searching for a jolt to an underwhelming start to the season.

ASU’s good fortune has been driven by a fast offense and strong defense. The Sun Devils have scored 24 goals in 11 games, third in the Big 12. Senior forward Tatum Thomason has been one of the standout players on this squad for that very reason, providing a lethal finishing touch, stretching defenses with her speed, and creating chances for her teammates. She has recorded 6 goals and 4 assists this season.

Defensively, ASU is backed by German international Pauline Nelles in goal. Nelles has a .805 save percentage and four shutouts this year. In addition to that, she has recorded 33 saves on the season in almost 1,000 minutes played. Her composure has kept ASU in close games, and her distribution typically initiates counterattacks.

Cincinnati Searching for Answers

For the Bearcats, the challenge has been turning possession into production. Cincinnati has only scored 10 goals across 11 matches, last in the Big 12.

In addition to their inability to produce offensively, defensive lapses have also contributed to the team’s struggles. The Bearcats have conceded 16 goals and are allowing an average of 1.45 goals per game. Most of that defensive responsibility falls to redshirt senior goalie Camryn Miller, a transfer from Virginia. Her .719 save percentage includes an eight-save performance in a 0-3 loss against Xavier on Aug. 24, but breakdowns in the defensive line have consistently left her exposed.

Conference Context

The Big 12 standings illustrate the urgency of Thursday’s game. The Sun Devils’ 1-1-1 record in the conference has them solidly in the middle of the pack. However, a win on Thursday would catapult head coach Graham Winkworth’s side and possibly put them into the top five of the conference. Cincinnati, on the other hand, risks falling behind at the bottom if its winless streak persists with its 0-2-1 record on the season.

Key Matchups

There are three main focuses for this game. To begin, UC’s defense will stack up against the speed and creativity of ASU’s attack. Thomason will test a Cincinnati back line that has conceded multiple goals in four of its last six matches.

Furthermore, the Sun Devils can not only create chances from the wide parts of the pitch but also from set pieces. ASU has scored five goals from corners and free kicks this season, while Cincinnati has conceded three goals from dead-ball situations.

Finally, the goalkeepers. For the Sun Devils, Nelles’ consistency in net is an edge, but if Miller can deliver another eight-save performance like the one she had against Xavier, Cincinnati may be able to rally and keep the game close as it continues into the later minutes of the match.

Outlook

Going into this game, the momentum is with ASU, even coming off a loss. The Sun Devils’ ability to score, structured defense, and solid road record show they have the tools to assert their will in Cincinnati.

Yet the Bearcats’ home desperation could turn it into a physical, ugly match. If Cincinnati can shut the Sun Devils off the board early and score on a counter or set piece, it could be a possible upset.

Lastly, it all comes down to ASU’s balance of offense and defense. Eyes will be on Thomason to continue her goal-scoring streak and create opportunities for her teammates, and for Nelles to stand strong in the net and control the defensive tempo of the game from the goal.