# #

Soccer Hosts USC in Friday's Pac-12 Opener

by thesundevils.com
Feb 25, 2021

Game Notes | Record Book

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Sun Devil Soccer turns to a new and welcomed challenge in the 'Conference of Champions' after securing an undefeated non-conference record to kickoff the 2020-21 season. The Arizona State women's soccer team opens Pac-12 Conference play against Southern California on Friday, Feb. 26 at 7:00 p.m. MT at Sun Devil Stadium. 
 

SUN DEVIL REWIND
High-scoring soccer? ASU delivers. The Sun Devils scored at least three goals in each of their wins through the non-conference schedule. If that's not enough, ASU showcased a well-rounded effort from top to bottom and scored four goals in a shutout win - twice. 

Two weekends ago, ASU played a home-and-away series against crosstown rival, Grand Canyon. The Sun Devils showed grit in the series opener at GCU to come back from a 2-1 deficit to win, 3-2, in overtime. The next time the squads met, the Sun Devils left nothing to chance, scoring four unanswered goals at Sun Devil Stadium. 

Two Sun Devils, juniors Nicole Douglas and Olivia Nguyen, earned a nod from the conference after their breakout performances and were named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week in two consecutive weeks. 
 

SHOW ME THE FACTS

  • Leading into the first conference match of the season, ASU ranks notably in the NCAA in several categories. The Sun Devils rank in the top-10 nationally in corners per game, points per game, and assists per game. Just outside that bubble, ASU ranks 12th in scoring offense with an average of 3.50. 
  • Junior Nicole Douglas scored five goals through non-conference to lead the team in goals and points (12). Douglas scored the second hattrick of her career against NMSU. She is currently in the record books at seventh in all-time career goals with 25. 
  • Junior Olivia Nguyen closely follows Douglas, with four goals and two assists on the season. She scored the first multi-goal game of her collegiate career in ASU's dominant 4-0 win against Grand Canyon on Feb. 14
  • Sophomore Lieske Carleer and freshman Lucy Johnson lead the team in minutes played, and both have started in all four matches.
  • The team has out-produced their four counterparts offensively, shooting 40 shots on goal to their opponents mere eight shots on goal.
  • The ASU defense put on a clinic in ensuring their goalkeeper remained at-ease - allowing only 20 shot opportunities and three goals. Giulia Cascapera stood in the net for more than 276 minutes through three games and was asked to make only five saves. 

HOW TO WATCH
Fans can watch Sun Devil Soccer's match against the Trojans on the ASU Live Stream here. As always, stay up-to-date on all Sun Devil Soccer announcements and content by following @SunDevilSoccer on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. 

 

Related News & Videos