Sun Devils’ frustration mounts after facing another controversial call at home

(Photo: Dante Tudor/WCSN)

TEMPE – Shoulder-to-shoulder battles, hard screens and bodies hitting the floor had defined the first half. The whistle was dry; the referee made it clear he’d let them play on. 

The Arizona State Sun Devils (8-5-3, 3-4-1 Big 12) took on the No. 9 Baylor Bears (13-2-1, 6-1-1) in their pre-penultimate Big 12 matchup. The Bears got the best of the Sun Devils, convincingly winning 2-0. 

Sun Devils head coach Graham Winkworth’s frustration was noticeable. Another home loss, and as Big 12 play winds down, the margin for error is simply getting smaller by the day.

“So, right now I’m just frustrated,” Winkworth said. “So that’s my emotions right now. Honestly, I don’t know what else somebody’s got to do for a penalty kick.” 

In the 51st minute, the Sun Devils made a promising attack in the box. Fourth-year midfielder Emmie Ennis struck the ball, appearing to hit the defender’s hands. 

Winkworth signaled for a challenge, while the outrage on the field echoed throughout Sun Devil Soccer Stadium.

The referee signaled for a review; after deliberation, it was deemed no handball. Winkworth could not believe it. It wasn’t the first time the Sun Devils had been on the wrong side of the whistle. 

“Two weeks ago, I got an email from the conference saying that Houston should not have been awarded a penalty,” Winkworth said. “And now I feel like we should have been awarded one.

“The referees have a very difficult job. We’ve just not been at the fortunate end of some of the big calls, and at home, not that we should get any home favoritism, but at home that’s really disappointing.”

Despite being on the wrong side of the handball call, the Sun Devils soon had another issue. 

After a scoreless first half, the Bears opened the scoring in the second. Fourth-year forward Theresa McCullough found the back of the net on a pretty assist from second-year midfielder Olivia Hess. 

Early in the season, ASU had no issues keeping their heads in the game. However, lately, frustration has gotten the best of them. 

“At the start of the season, we did a really good job of bouncing back,” third-year forward Kierra Blundell said. “Recently we’ve kind of been putting our head down.”

ASU conceded in the 56th minute. To any team, that would seem like enough time to march onward to victory. But blinded by frustration, it got in its own way. To have a chance in the last three games, the team must come together and try to adjust. 

“The one thing I got to speak to the girls about is that there was so much time left,” Blundell said. “That’s two goals we can get in 30 minutes.”

This is now back-to-back games in which the Sun Devils have failed to walk away with points in a tough conference. 

“Our ability in the penalty area, of course, that’s where I think is the biggest issue,” Winkworth said. “Baylor won the game where the game is won, and that’s inside the 18 and in both 18s. Baylor were better than us in both 18s today.” 

Their inability to capitalize in the penalty box has clearly been holding this team back. This stems from their frustration with conceding early – their body language clearly indicating. 

“Not putting our heads down,” Blundell said. “Having the mindset that we can get one back or two back.”

In the second half, ASU committed six fouls, compared with just one in the first half. Winkworth, however, commended their effort despite the loss. 

“We’ve got a lot, but we don’t like excuses,” Winkworth said. “We’ve only got a limited number of players available right now, and their girls worked their socks off. I was proud of their efforts.”

Winkworth has made it clear that their focus will be on what’s next. They will have another chance to add some points on Sunday. 

Despite another tough home loss. The Sun Devils know a Big 12 tournament appearance will require 100% effort. 

“There’s three games left to prove it, so we ought to keep going,” Blundell said.

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