From whistle to whistle, things change. While the scoreboard reflected a different score from the 0-0 start, the change in the weather provided an interesting turning point. As lightning struck and thunder roared through Tempe, Arizona State soccer didn’t waver off course. The sun, no longer providing blistering heat, and the sky created its own source of crying in the form of rain, drenching those in attendance.
Late into the second half with under 10 minutes to play, the match was called. The Sun Devils, winning 2-0 over the Mustangs, improved to 4-0-1. Meanwhile, the losing Mustangs fell to 2-2-1. The match, called early because of severe thunderstorms, showcased the Sun Devils’ plethora of talent in one-on-one space and in terms of depth.
ASU’s combination of offensive pressure and defensive discipline allowed the Sun Devils to remain in control before the weather brought the match to an early conclusion.
The Sun Devils struck first just three minutes into the match when junior forward Sierra Bergen found the back of the net, giving the Sun Devils an early lead and setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Sophomore goalkeeper Kennedy Zorn kept Cal Poly off the scoreboard, helping ASU preserve the shutout despite difficult playing conditions.
The Sun Devils added another goal shortly before the match was called. Freshman defender Mya Angus scored to give ASU a 2-0 lead over the Mustangs, just before the dust settled on the field.
The victory marked the Maroon and Gold’s third win in their last four regular-season matches.
The Sun Devils currently sit third in the Big 12 standings, behind UCF and West Virginia. Looking ahead, ASU looks to play Dartmouth on Sept. 3 in Tempe, in hopes of finishing the match in full.
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