After a mediocre season that ended with a disappointing loss in the round of 64 last November, the ASU Soccer coaching staff worked furiously to bring in difference-makers. So far, it has been a success, as half of the eight newcomers have become full-time starters.
The improvement has been as apparent in the Sun Devils’ record as on the field. Last year, the Sun Devils only earned a 5-5-1 record. That was quickly surpassed on their way to a 7-2-3 record this year and 2-2-1 in the Big 12. Their first season in the Big 12 has been positive, as they are ranked fifth out of 16 teams. Last season, they were sixth in the Pac-12, which had four fewer teams.
Statistical differences between the two seasons are glaring. Goals per game are up from 1.43 to 2.17 and shots have increased from 10.7 per game to 15.3. This nearly 150% increase in offense has come on the backs of new forwards, freshman Kierra Blundell and junior transfer Cameron Valladares.
Blundell has taken over the offense in her first year in Tempe. She leads the team with eight goals and is second in assists with four. Her 13 shots on goal in 832 minutes are near the top of the team.
Since transferring from the Sun Devil’s rival school, The University of Arizona, Valladares has been one of the most important members of the offense. Her 15 shots on goal, which are second on the team, are coming at an incredible accuracy of 55.6%.
“She’s one of those players where you can study the film and watch Cam; you know exactly what she’s going to do, but the question is, can you stop it?” Assistant Coach Ross Alexander said.
The midfield has been anchored by two transfers and a stud freshman. Freshman midfielder Ella Kettles has shone in her first year. Her intensity and speed show up all throughout the field. Head coach Graham Winkworth’s trust in her is evident. Kettles has been selected as a starter in 11 of 12 games, a rare feat for a freshman.
She is joined on the back end by junior defender Grace Gillard and graduate student midfielder/forward Maddie Shafer. Gillard transferred from Syracuse and immediately took a commanding role. Her 971 minutes are the most of any outfield player. Shafer has used her leadership skills that she developed at Northern Arizona University to be a calming force in the midfield.
Although they have had less starting time, the other freshmen from the 2024 recruiting class are still making an impact. Addison Haws has contributed two assists from her midfield position. Forward Megan Sofield has three starts and played in all but one game. She has two goals and one assist. Lastly, midfielder/forward Oona Hartman has racked up 111 minutes through five games this year. After the game against Cincinnati, Alexander was very adamant about the importance of bench players.
“You know, every single player that was on the field was needed tonight, and they did their job,” Alexander said.
The Sun Devils are confident that these new players will continue to make an impact heading into the back half of the season.
Leave a Reply