Sun Devil soccer prepares for Cal State Northridge

(Photo: Steve Rodriguez – ASU Athletics)

The Arizona State soccer team opens up their season as they face off against Cal State Northridge on Friday night.

Friday will mark the start of one of the most anticipated seasons for Sun Devil soccer.

“This is the best team we’ve had since I’ve been here,” head coach Kevin Boyd said. “This year we’ve got an attack, and that’s great to have. We will live and die by our defending.”

Forwards Cali Farquharson and Devin Marshall combined for 19 of the team’s 33 goals last season, and Boyd said he expects them to do even more damage this fall.

“I want those two players to be more prolific than they were last year…they’re both special. They’re as good two forwards as you’ll find in the country. Holland [Crook] looks great, she’s going to have a hell of a year. So now we’ve added a third head to our attacking monster,” Boyd said.

The team is no stranger to playing Cal State Northridge. Last fall, the Sun Devils fell 1-0 to Northridge, however, this spring the Sun Devils came out on top 2-0.

“They are well organized and they play well,” Boyd said. “They won their conference last year and they were a playoff team last year, so this is a test for us.”

In net, goal keeper Chandler Morris returns for her second straight season as a starter. Morris averages 1.55 goals allowed per game last season.

“She played really well this spring. She’s just a steady and strong keeper,” Boyd said. “She has the potential to be very good for us.”

While Boyd did not want to reveal his starting 11, he said that only one position is still in question.

The game starts at 7 p.m. at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium.

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