Sun Devil soccer prepares for No. 19 Texas A&M

(Photo: Mauricio Casillas/WCSN)

The Arizona State soccer team will face its biggest test of the season as it faces off against No. 19 Texas A&M on Friday.

The Sun Devils coasted past Cal State Northridge in their season opener, but head coach Kevin Boyd thinks Texas A&M will be a much stronger opponent.

“We know it’s going to be a battle,” Boyd said. “They’ve got some weapons up top. They’re very good in the midfield, and they’re sound in the back. I also know that their environment is tremendous. They get the most fans in the country, so it’ll be a bit of a hostile environment.”

The Aggies are notorious for their home field advantage. They have posted an 189-28-5 all-time record at Ellis field, however, senior forward Devin Marshall looks forward to playing in front of a packed house.

“I always love to play in front of a big crowd. Whether or not they’re our fans, it’s just a good environment, Marshall said. “I think it’s going to be definitely a tough game, but it’s one that’s winnable.”

The Aggies are coming off of a 1-0 loss at the hands of the seventh-ranked Duke Blue Devils. Boyd believes this game will be a true test for their team.

“We’re looking forward to that so we can see where we are,” Boyd said. “The main thing is I just want us to show up and be as competitive as possible.”

The game starts at 5:30 p.m., and the live stream can be found at http://www.aggieathletics.com/liveEvents/liveEvents.dbml?ATCLID=209239154&SPSID=632669&SPID=93233&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=27300.

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Notes:

Texas A&M is 1-0-0 all-time against ASU
ASU assistant coach Paige Carmichael played for A&M from 2004-07, and assistant coach Scott Champ was a member of the Aggie coaching staff in 2004.
Texas A&M goal keeper Jordan Day is a native of Gilbert, Ariz.
ASU forward Cali Farquharson has scored a goal in four consecutive games dating back to last season.