TEMPE, Ariz.– On a night that meant more than just the game at hand, Arizona State soccer brought home a 4-1 victory in its clash with UTEP.
The match wasn’t just the final non-conference matchup of the Maroon and Gold’s regular season. It was Senior Night, alongside the commemoration of 30 years for the program.
While the Sun Devils celebrated the victory, the occasion of the night added a nice charm to the end of their non-conference slate of games.
Since their inaugural soccer season 30 years ago, the Sun Devils have produced 18 players who went on to play pro soccer after college. They have also made 10 appearances at the NCAA tournament, reaching it in a third of their seasons.
ASU’s coach Graham Winkworth walked off the field overjoyed with how the night went.
“I love the fact that we combined Alumni and Senior Day,” said Winkworth, who is in his eighth season as the coach of Arizona State. “It just felt like what I want our college soccer program to look like on a Friday night, and so thankful for everybody that showed up.”
Senior Night festivities prior to the match included a ceremony highlighting the seniors on the roster, allowing them to celebrate with their friends and family.
As Sun Devil Soccer Stadium sizzled under the southwestern sun, ASU kicked off its Friday clash with UTEP.
A rowdy crowd of Sun Devil fans played the backdrop to the match. Fans in the student section used instruments, noisemakers and their voices to create a home-field advantage at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium. Outside the student section, fans packed the bleachers to cheer on ASU.
An alumni section on the sideline stood next to the ASU bench, filled with former players to cheer on the team.
On their night, the seniors showed out.
The opening goal was a senior combination. Midfielder/forward Tatum Thomason and defender Grace Gilliard assisted forward Cameron Valladares to give the Sun Devils a 1-0 lead.
OF COURSE IT’S A SENIOR 🥹 Cam with the first goal for the Sun Devils!
— Sun Devil Soccer (@SunDevilSoccer) September 13, 2025
12’ ASU 1 | UTEP 0 pic.twitter.com/syOjC3lP18
As ASU took that advantage into halftime, a ceremony celebrating Sun Devil Soccer alumni occurred at the pitch’s halfway line.
UTEP equalized early in the second half. But Thomason scored a few minutes later to give the Sun Devils the lead back. The goal marked her second goal contribution of the night.
From there, Sparky took control of the game. After a goal in the 73rd, they nailed home a winner with a fourth in the 84th. On the final goal, seniors Thomason and Valladares combined to assist freshman defender/midfielder/forward Addison Baltodano.
As the clock wound down, the ASU bench chanted “Let’s go, seniors,” as the Sun Devils clinched the victory.
While players sang “Sweet Caroline” with the fans to celebrate the win, Valladares reflected on the importance of team chemistry.
“There’s been a lot of emotions recently,” said Valladares, who picked up a goal and an assist. “It’s good vibes all around having the girls here, and this team’s really close and has a lot of chemistry. So, I feel like it’s a perfect team to have this kind of year with all these big moments. I just hope we can keep it going.”
While student and fan turnout was high, the highlight of Thomason’s night came from the countless faces she recognized in the crowd.
“It’s unbelievable,” said Thomason, who recorded three goal contributions on Friday. “30 family members sitting behind you, and I really can’t beat it.”
With non-conference play in the rear view mirror and a home clash with BYU scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m. MST, ASU’s locker room is flying high into its Big 12 slate.
“This has been my favorite season, and it’s only a month and a half in the season,” Thomason said. “I just literally can’t beat it.”
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