(Photo By: Hazel Foubert/ WCSN)
It’s the 22nd minute of ASU Soccer’s ((7-2-3, 2-2-1) match vs. Cincinnati (5-6-1, 1-4), and Meighan Farrell is charging down the right wing with speed and aggression putting the Bearcats defense on their heels. The junior defender threaded a perfect pass connecting with freshman forward Kierra Blundell, who spun effortlessly between two defenders, finding space where there seemed to be none.
With a quick chop back, Blundell left the trailing defender in her wake and floated a cross into the box. Rising above the defense, junior forward Enasia Colon met the ball with a powerful header, smashing it past the goalkeeper and into the near post. This was all just a taste for fans and viewers at home of what was soon to come.
This match was a tale of two superstars, Colon and junior goalkeeper Pauline Nelles, stepping up and leading ASU. Colon’s relentless offensive pressure and creativity with the ball at her foot made her a constant threat, while Nelles’ command of her goal kept Cincinnati’s chances at bay. This match was a showcase of ASU’s star power on both ends of the field.
“The thing with Enasia is, whenever she’s in the game, and the balls in and around her. She’s got something special,” Interim head coach Ross Alexander said. “You don’t know when it’s going to come and what it’s going to be, but she has moments. It’s tough to score goals, tough to break teams down, but when you have players like that – that can turn a game around like that -it makes a world of difference.”
Colon ended her dominant night with one goal and two assists making her presence felt on all of ASU’s 3-1 victory.
On the defensive end, Nelles rose to the occasion. Clearing every fifty-fifty ball that came her way and delivering a series of remarkable saves just when it seemed the Bearcats might find a way to claw their way back into this game late in the second half.
“I am very calm when she’s back there with me, and I feel as if I can always rely on her,” Farrell said. She’s an awesome leader and helps the back line stay organized. She’s the best!”
Bearcats head coach Erica Demers had her Bearcats firing coming out of halftime, shedding the defensive mindset they showcased in the first half of the game. The Bearcats launched four times as many shots in the second half compared to their output in the first. This aggressive approach ultimately led to a late goal from Ellie Flower, giving the Bearcats a shimmer of hope. ASU had to withstand the pressure as Cincinnati sought to shift the momentum.
The notable absence of head coach Graham Winkworth – who was suspended for Sunday night’s matchup due to a red card in the Sun Devils’ previous match – was definitely noted by players and coaches. However, even with his absence, the team was simply too talented and deep for that to be a decisive factor against what was a lackluster Cincinnati performance.
Ultimately the victory elevates the Sun Devils’ conference record to 2-2-1, placing them sixth in the Big 12 standings. However, it also revitalizes team morale as they gain much-needed momentum heading into their upcoming matchup at home, on October 4th against the University of Utah. The triumph serves as a reminder of the team’s capabilities and sets a positive tone for the challenges ahead.
“So starting right now, our focus Is done with Cincinnati,” Alexander said. “Our focus now is on Utah, and we’re going to build upon this and make sure we’re ready to come Sunday.”
