This article was originally published on October 2, 2022.
Two second half goals from Stanford (10-2-1) led to Arizona State’s (6-1-2) first loss in the 2022 campaign. The 2-0 defeat on Sunday marks back-to-back losses to Stanford for the Sun Devils after falling in Palo Alto last year.
Entering the game undefeated on the season, ASU had a chance to upset one of the preseason favorites in the conference in Stanford. However, it was clear early on in the match that Stanford would dictate the flow of the game, controlling possession heavily. ASU goalkeeper Pauline Nelles withstood the siege early on, making a save on an attempt from Allie Montoya of Stanford around the eight minute mark.
ASU withstood several quality chances from Stanford in the first half, but on the offensive side were stymied by a strong Stanford defense. Nicole Douglas had an attempt early, but was blocked by a pack of Stanford defenders. ASU was able to maintain possession deep in Stanford’s back third both at the beginning and the end of the first half, but could not generate any scoring chances. The offense was only able to generate two shots in the first half, neither on goal, while Stanford had 9 total shots.
The second half started similarly to the first, with Stanford quickly establishing dominance over the ball with swarming and fast defense. Eventually, Nelles’ wall crumbled, as Stanford’s Allie Montoya was able to sneak a goal past her in the 56th minute to give the Cardinal a one goal advantage. ASU countered with a couple of chances, but could not capitalize on either, with Stanford’s defense swarming the always-dangerous Douglas and her attacking partners.
Despite her best efforts to keep her team in the game, Nelles allowed a second goal with 11 minutes left, with Catherine Paulson providing a devastating blow to ASU’s chances of a comeback. The Sun Devils were unable to generate any real offense the entire game and simply could not control the ball enough to prevent Stanford’s goals.
Injuries plagued the Sun Devils throughout the day, with several players being taken off the field over the course of the game. Midfielder Jazmine Wilkinson left the game in the first half with a head injury, after providing much-needed support to the besieged Sun Devil defense. She was able to return later in the game. Defender Lucy Johnson suffered a foot injury late in the game and was not able to return. There was not a postgame update on her condition, but she left the field using a crutch.
“Sometimes you have to hold your hands up and say you were beaten by a better team,” ASU head coach Graham Winkworth said.
Despite the disappointing loss, Winkworth was optimistic with how the team has positioned themselves in the standings thus far.
“If two weeks ago, you offered me six points from [the last three] games, I would have taken your hand off,” Winkworth said before mentioning the focus is now on preparing for the upcoming games.
“From here it’s going to be definitely a good test for our team next week to play the best team in the nation,” midfielder Alexia Delgado said after the match.
Delgado was referring to a brutal trip to California where the Sun Devils will face a red-hot USC Trojans team and the No. 1 team in the country, the UCLA Bruins. Delgado was frustrated with her play today, but emphasized that the team will find ways to improve off of the loss going into a tough road trip.
The Sun Devils play next at UCLA on Thursday at 7 p.m. MST.
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