TEMPE, Ariz. – Larisa Staub, Madison Kmetko and Jazmarie Mader all found the back of the net to help lead the Arizona State women's soccer team to a 3-0 win over Columbia during Friday's first day of the Sun Devil Desert Classic.
Megan Delaney made two saves to record her second shutout in as many games and help the Sun Devils remain unbeaten (3-0-1) after four games.
"I thought that as a whole in terms of the way we were keeping the ball and attacking, it was the most complete game we've played all season," ASU head coach Kevin Boyd said. "I thought we played quite well. Obviously we still have a ways to go still but very good improvement over the last game."
ASU outshot Columbia 20-5, including an 8-2 advantage in shots on goal. After gaining the advantage in the first half, the Sun Devils were even more dominant in the second half as they did not allow a single shot in the last 45 minutes.
ASU took the lead in the 35th minute on Larisa Staub's first goal of the season (fourth career goal). The goal was set up by sophomore forward Jaimie Salas, who, after taking a pass from Adriana Orozco, had only Columbia goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse standing between her and a goal. Whitehouse came charging out in an attempt to thwart Salas' threat, but not before Salas sent a crossing shot that got past Whitehouse. As the ball was making its way toward the net Columbia defender Adria Kurlya-Santos attempted to make a last-second save, but Staub came sliding in to knock the ball in to give ASU a 1-0 lead.
ASU would increase its lead to 2-0 in the 42nd minute when Kmetko's perfectly-timed leap off Orozco's corner kick enabled her to find the sweet spot with a header that sent the ball into the net the first goal of her career.
Natalie Stephens would help set up ASU's final goal in the 47th minute when she sent a cross into the box that bounced once before Mader came over and directed the ball in with a high, arcing shot that tucked under the crossbar for her team-leading third goal of the season (sixth goal of career).
"She's doing things fast and she's much more confident," Boyd said of Mader's play this season. "She believes in herself and she loves her team so that's spurred her to action. Her work grade is double what is was a year ago in every game and every tournament and when you work that much harder good things happen."
Delaney was the only Sun Devil who played all 90 minutes as 23 players logged time on Friday with 21 of them recording double-digits in minutes.
ASU closes out play in the Sun Devil Desert Classic on Sunday when it hosts Denver at 7 p.m. at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium. As a part of Sunday Funday, all kids eighth grade and under will receive discounted admission at the gate in addition to having the opportunity to take a shot on goal following the game. Sunday will also be Alumni Day. Former Sun Devil players in attendance will be introduced at halftime and will sign autographs with the team after the game.
Megan Delaney made two saves to record her second shutout in as many games and help the Sun Devils remain unbeaten (3-0-1) after four games.
"I thought that as a whole in terms of the way we were keeping the ball and attacking, it was the most complete game we've played all season," ASU head coach Kevin Boyd said. "I thought we played quite well. Obviously we still have a ways to go still but very good improvement over the last game."
ASU outshot Columbia 20-5, including an 8-2 advantage in shots on goal. After gaining the advantage in the first half, the Sun Devils were even more dominant in the second half as they did not allow a single shot in the last 45 minutes.
ASU took the lead in the 35th minute on Larisa Staub's first goal of the season (fourth career goal). The goal was set up by sophomore forward Jaimie Salas, who, after taking a pass from Adriana Orozco, had only Columbia goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse standing between her and a goal. Whitehouse came charging out in an attempt to thwart Salas' threat, but not before Salas sent a crossing shot that got past Whitehouse. As the ball was making its way toward the net Columbia defender Adria Kurlya-Santos attempted to make a last-second save, but Staub came sliding in to knock the ball in to give ASU a 1-0 lead.
ASU would increase its lead to 2-0 in the 42nd minute when Kmetko's perfectly-timed leap off Orozco's corner kick enabled her to find the sweet spot with a header that sent the ball into the net the first goal of her career.
Natalie Stephens would help set up ASU's final goal in the 47th minute when she sent a cross into the box that bounced once before Mader came over and directed the ball in with a high, arcing shot that tucked under the crossbar for her team-leading third goal of the season (sixth goal of career).
"She's doing things fast and she's much more confident," Boyd said of Mader's play this season. "She believes in herself and she loves her team so that's spurred her to action. Her work grade is double what is was a year ago in every game and every tournament and when you work that much harder good things happen."
Delaney was the only Sun Devil who played all 90 minutes as 23 players logged time on Friday with 21 of them recording double-digits in minutes.
ASU closes out play in the Sun Devil Desert Classic on Sunday when it hosts Denver at 7 p.m. at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium. As a part of Sunday Funday, all kids eighth grade and under will receive discounted admission at the gate in addition to having the opportunity to take a shot on goal following the game. Sunday will also be Alumni Day. Former Sun Devil players in attendance will be introduced at halftime and will sign autographs with the team after the game.