Arizona State fell short against Kansas University (8-5-4, 5-4-1 Big 12) with a final score of 2-1 Sunday in a game that can only be described as mediocre. Multiple defensive errors from the Sun Devils were the difference maker, dropping their record to 8-6-3 overall and 3-6-1 in conference play.
ASU caught an early lead in the fourth minute after a corner kick from fifth-year defender Lucy Johnson was deflected off both freshman forward Kierra Blundell and junior forward Cameron Valladares before landing at the feet of senior defender Olivia Coleman who inched it past the diving Jayhawk goalkeeper, redshirt freshman Sophie Dawe.
While things looked good early, the Jayhawks quickly responded with a goal of their own after a horrible defensive blunder by Arizona State. On a Jayhawks cross into the box, Coleman jumped in front of the direct path junior goalkeeper Pauline Nellis had to catch the ball and instead deflected it to the feet of redshirt sophomore forward Saige Wimes, who buried it in the back of a fully open net.
Things only got worse for Arizona State, which was thoroughly dominated in ball possession for the rest of the game. While they had a few good looks later in the second half, the Jayhawks were relentless in their offensive pressure and attacks throughout, limiting Arizona State’s chances.
Despite the few chances ASU had, they were constantly unable to capitalize or even put a shot on goal against the Kansas defense, which played fantastically. Arizona State looked overpowered entirely in the goalbox.
“When we did create chances, they were better than our opponents. We just didn’t have the final ball”, said head coach Graham Winkworth, “Once we got there, we looked dangerous, but we just didn’t have that final piece in the box”
The Jayhawks outplayed the Sun Devils in nearly every aspect of the game. While both their goals were extremely weak knock-ins, the difference in the number of chances they were able to create compared to Arizona State was night and day.
Going into its next game against the University of Arizona, ASU needs to drastically improve its offensive strategies and tighten up its defensive play. The errors in Sunday’s game were the difference makers, so ASU will have much to work on in practice this upcoming week.
The Sun Devils will play the Wildcats (10-5-2, 5-4-1 Big 12) on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. in their last regular-season game at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium.
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