After the No. 18 Arizona State Sun Devils fell short to the Utah Utes on Thursday, things did not improve for them Sunday as they were defeated 4-0 by Colorado.
The first half was a scoreless affair, but not without action.
During the first few minutes of the game sophomore goalkeeper Pauline Nelles managed to handle a free kick that was taken within scoring range.
A burst of aggressiveness by the No.18 Sun Devils looked to have them in control as senior forward Gabi Rennie fired a shot on goal from long distance around the 12th minute of this game.
The first half was a test between the two defenses and keepers, with neither Nelles nor sophomore Buffalo keeper Jordan Nytes faltering under consistent pressure.
The Sun Devils had a chance to take a lead at the end of the first half, but could not capitalize on the opportunity.
In the second half, the Buffaloes started to play keep-away, holding possession for longer lengths of time which prevented the Sun Devils from creating any sort of forward runs for a scoring opportunity.
As time waned on, the Buffaloes’ ball-control offense was too much to overcome. Colorado poured in four goals in the last 20 minutes of play, starting with an own goal by the Arizona State defense.
“Today was very disappointing,” ASU coach Graham Winkworth said. “Ultimately Colorado outworked us in the second half.”
The 0-2 road trip was a slog for the Sun Devils and the team will not return to its home pitch for a game the remainder of the regular season. The Maroon and Gold fell to 10-5-4 on the season following the loss.
ASU will have a chance to secure sole possession of fourth place on the Pac-12 table with a win in the Territorial Cup matchup next week in Tucson against Arizona.
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