The Arizona State Sun Devils (16-6-5) took the ice against Augustana University (7-11-3) for the first time in program history. After a back-and-forth game, the Augustana Vikings came away with a 5-4 victory at Mullett Arena on Friday.
The first period of play saw four goals, two for both teams. Senior forward Matthew Kopperud scored early with his 14th goal of the season at 1:11 into the game. Sophomore forward Ryan Alexander would follow up his teammate mid-way through the period with his third goal of the season. Arizona State’s top two forward lines scored the game’s first two goals.
Despite the loss, ASU’s top two forward lines were able to contribute after struggling to score over the past few games.
The Vikings responded, Freshman Will Howard scored his first goal of the season at 14:04 into period number one.
The Sun Devils got three power play opportunities in the period but allowed a short handed goal. Fifth-year forward Chase Brand’s short-handed tally evened the score with under three minutes remaining. Augustana recorded only four shots on goal, with the score at 2-2 at the end of the first period.
Arizona State found the back of the net early again in the next period, this time it was senior forward Benji Eckerle. The Northville, Michigan native’s fourth goal of the season put ASU up 3-2.
Augustana came back with two goals of their own, giving them their first lead of the game. Fifth-year forward Arnaud Vachon scored at about the halfway mark of the second period.
Junior goalie TJ Semptimphelter was pulled after allowing three goals on six shots.
“We need more (from the goalies),” head coach Greg Powers said. “You are not going to win any games letting in five goals on 15 shots.”
Sophomore goalie Gibson Homer came in relief of Semptimphelter and made seven saves in the contest.
Brand scored another goal on special teams for the Vikings, this time it was a power play tally. His second goal of the game came 2:53 into the third period.
Senior defenseman Tim Lovell one-timed home his fourth goal of the season on the power play. The Sun Devil power play went one for six in the game. The scoreboard read 4-4 with under a minute to go in the third period.
Augustana’s freshman forward Owen Bohn scored the game-winning goal at 19:29 into the third period, leaving very little time for ASU to mount a comeback.
“We played well,” head coach Greg Powers said. “We controlled the game in really every facet at the dots, scoring chances, possession.”
Senior goalie Zack Rose made 34 saves out of 38 shots faced in the game for Augustana. The Sun Devils outshot the Vikings 38 to 15 and still lost.
The Sun Devils will host Augustana once more on Saturday night at 7 p.m. MST.
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