TEMPE, Ariz. – Arizona State stepped into conference play on Friday night and promptly stepped out with an impressive, 2-1, victory over visiting Oregon State.
The Sun Devils (4-4-1, 1-0-0 Pac-12) used a pair of second half goals to create some separation before cruising to their second straight win.
"We had a great performance last Sunday and had another good one today," said head coach Graham Winkworth after the game. "I actually thought today's was our best performance of the season. It's important to get that first Pac-12 victory."
A strong focus on conditioning throughout the offseason paid off for Winkworth's side in Friday's thriller. Arizona State seemed to wear down the Beavers (3-4-2, 0-1-0) in the final half, turning a scoreless game at halftime, into a 2-0 lead late in the second half.
"We worked extremely hard on our fitness levels throughout the spring and summer," Winkworth said. "When you're trying to just keep possession of the ball like we did tonight, eventually top teams will tire out because they are doing a lot of chasing and running."
The first half saw the Sun Devils dominate possession, taking 12-shots as opposed to just two from their opponents. It was only a matter of time until one of them found the back of the net, and that breakthrough came early in the second half
Junior midfielder Jemma Purfield drew first blood in the game's 51st- minute, gathering a pass inside the box before firing it past the Oregon State keeper. The play was set up by a great pass from forward Jazmarie Mader, who was credited with the assist.
Arizona State then sealed the deal with about 10 minutes remaining in the match, getting some big insurance from Christina Edwards. The sophomore struck from about 25 yards out with a ball that ricocheted off the crossbar and across the line.
"I originally thought it might not have went in," Edwards said. "It would have been embarrassing to be premature in celebration so I was glad to turn around and see my teammates cheering."
The Sun Devils ultimately outshot the Beavers 18-14, while both teams ended the night with 10 shots on goal.
Arizona State now has five days off before returning to the pitch, where they will face California in Berkeley on Thursday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. and fans can follow all of the action from the 2017 Sun Devil Soccer season by following @SunDevilSoccer on Twitter.
The Sun Devils (4-4-1, 1-0-0 Pac-12) used a pair of second half goals to create some separation before cruising to their second straight win.
"We had a great performance last Sunday and had another good one today," said head coach Graham Winkworth after the game. "I actually thought today's was our best performance of the season. It's important to get that first Pac-12 victory."
A strong focus on conditioning throughout the offseason paid off for Winkworth's side in Friday's thriller. Arizona State seemed to wear down the Beavers (3-4-2, 0-1-0) in the final half, turning a scoreless game at halftime, into a 2-0 lead late in the second half.
"We worked extremely hard on our fitness levels throughout the spring and summer," Winkworth said. "When you're trying to just keep possession of the ball like we did tonight, eventually top teams will tire out because they are doing a lot of chasing and running."
The first half saw the Sun Devils dominate possession, taking 12-shots as opposed to just two from their opponents. It was only a matter of time until one of them found the back of the net, and that breakthrough came early in the second half
Junior midfielder Jemma Purfield drew first blood in the game's 51st- minute, gathering a pass inside the box before firing it past the Oregon State keeper. The play was set up by a great pass from forward Jazmarie Mader, who was credited with the assist.
Arizona State then sealed the deal with about 10 minutes remaining in the match, getting some big insurance from Christina Edwards. The sophomore struck from about 25 yards out with a ball that ricocheted off the crossbar and across the line.
"I originally thought it might not have went in," Edwards said. "It would have been embarrassing to be premature in celebration so I was glad to turn around and see my teammates cheering."
The Sun Devils ultimately outshot the Beavers 18-14, while both teams ended the night with 10 shots on goal.
Arizona State now has five days off before returning to the pitch, where they will face California in Berkeley on Thursday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. and fans can follow all of the action from the 2017 Sun Devil Soccer season by following @SunDevilSoccer on Twitter.