Sun Devil Athletics
HomeHome
Loading

Sun Devils Fall In Defensive Battle Against Hawai'i

Sun Devils Fall In Defensive Battle Against Hawai'iSun Devils Fall In Defensive Battle Against Hawai'i
TEMPE, Ariz. – The Arizona State defense, and freshman keeper Nikki Panas, shined for 95 minutes on Friday before ultimately falling to visiting Hawai'i, 1-0.
 
An unassisted shot in overtime by midfielder Raisa Strom-Okimoto ultimately found the back of the net, handing the Sun Devils (2-4-1) a tight, 1-0, defeat. The overtime match marked the third time in just four home matches that the team has gone to extra time.
 
"We created enough chances today," said head coach Graham Winkworth after the match. "We just need to have a little more composure in front of the goal. Good things will come if we are able to stay calm in the final third."
 
The Sun Devils dominated possession and peppered the Rainbow Wahine (4-4-0) defense with 10 shots in a strong first half, four of which were on goal.

While no one was able to find the back of the net, the always-active Jemma Purfield and Chandler-native, Kylie Miniefield, nearly took advantage of the opportunities that came their way. Miniefield led the team with a pair of shots on goal in that opening stanza, while Purfield created two good looks in the first 15 minutes, but missed just high on both occasions. 

The Arizona State defense held strong all the way until the final buzzer, clearing a Hawai'i corner kick that was taken just before time expired in the first half to keep the score even at 0-0. 
 
"We tried to play possession in the first half and I thought we accomplished that," senior Madison Stark said. "It helps that Nikki (Panas) is such a commanding presence back there."
 

?????? pic.twitter.com/lCUNqqA5FW

— Sun Devil Soccer (@SunDevilSoccer) September 16, 2017


Panas went into the locker room at halftime with five saves en route to a nine save outing. None was bigger than a deflection in the 59th- minute, when the freshman slid and knocked the ball away after being taken one-on-one by a 'Bows attacker. 

"I couldn't have played that well if my team didn't back me up on some of them," Panas said. "I just have to try and stay consistent in what I do."

Hawai'i finished the match with a slight edge in both shots (20-19) and attempts on goal (10-8) in the 1-0 victory. 
 
The Sun Devils have a quick turnaround as they will face Weber State on Sunday afternoon, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium. The game can also be seen on the ASU Live Stream.