TEMPE, Ariz. – The Arizona State soccer team went toe to toe with No. 24 UCF for 90 minutes on Sunday afternoon.
Ultimately, however, two early second half goals from the visiting Knights (4-1-0) ended up being too much to overcome in a 2-1 defeat, preventing the Sun Devils (1-2-1) from getting a result against the first nationally-ranked team they've faced this season.
"From an effort standpoint, I want to play that way every time," said head coach Graham Winkworth after the match. "We threw everything but the kitchen sink at them. I was really proud of our character and fight."
A stout defensive effort early from both sides resulted in a 0-0 tie at the half, marking a third consecutive half of scoreless soccer for freshman goalkeeper Nikki Panas.
"I think she's done a great job," defenseman Madison Stark said when asked about Panas. "She's a very confident goalkeeper and that's really important to have back there."
UCF was able to break through for a pair of goals early in the final 45 minutes, but the home team kept attacking and eventually broke through.
Just two minutes after Angela Boyle nearly missed on a free kick, junior midfielder Jemma Purfield was able to keep her side within reach with a powerful strike in the match's 77th minute. The South Alabama transfer was able to steal the ball just outside the box before beating the goalie with a strong shot into the right side of the net, marking her first goal while wearing maroon and gold.
"I saw the pass coming across and that the defender had her back faced to me," said Purfield. "So after that it was just me and the goalkeeper and I knew I had to put it in the back of the net. Thankfully I was able to do it."
Looking to parlay the momentum from Purfield's goal, Arizona State kept attacking in search for a game-tying score.
That led to a frenzied final 13 minutes, one that saw the Sun Devils get both a free kick from 20 yards out and a corner kick in the game's closing seconds. Both attempts were ultimately snuffed out, however, handing Arizona State its first loss since the season opener.
The Knights ended up taking more shots overall (16-11) and had more attempts on goal (5-3) than the Sun Devils.
Arizona State will look to bounce back next week when it heads to Tucson to face Texas Tech on Friday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. and the game will be televised on the Pac-12 Networks.
Ultimately, however, two early second half goals from the visiting Knights (4-1-0) ended up being too much to overcome in a 2-1 defeat, preventing the Sun Devils (1-2-1) from getting a result against the first nationally-ranked team they've faced this season.
"From an effort standpoint, I want to play that way every time," said head coach Graham Winkworth after the match. "We threw everything but the kitchen sink at them. I was really proud of our character and fight."
A stout defensive effort early from both sides resulted in a 0-0 tie at the half, marking a third consecutive half of scoreless soccer for freshman goalkeeper Nikki Panas.
"I think she's done a great job," defenseman Madison Stark said when asked about Panas. "She's a very confident goalkeeper and that's really important to have back there."
UCF was able to break through for a pair of goals early in the final 45 minutes, but the home team kept attacking and eventually broke through.
Just two minutes after Angela Boyle nearly missed on a free kick, junior midfielder Jemma Purfield was able to keep her side within reach with a powerful strike in the match's 77th minute. The South Alabama transfer was able to steal the ball just outside the box before beating the goalie with a strong shot into the right side of the net, marking her first goal while wearing maroon and gold.
.@JemmaPurfield's heads up goal for @SunDevilSoccer is our pick for @OpusBank #12Best Moment. #Pac12Soccer https://t.co/JIkDET7SDx
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) September 3, 2017
"I saw the pass coming across and that the defender had her back faced to me," said Purfield. "So after that it was just me and the goalkeeper and I knew I had to put it in the back of the net. Thankfully I was able to do it."
Looking to parlay the momentum from Purfield's goal, Arizona State kept attacking in search for a game-tying score.
That led to a frenzied final 13 minutes, one that saw the Sun Devils get both a free kick from 20 yards out and a corner kick in the game's closing seconds. Both attempts were ultimately snuffed out, however, handing Arizona State its first loss since the season opener.
The Knights ended up taking more shots overall (16-11) and had more attempts on goal (5-3) than the Sun Devils.
Arizona State will look to bounce back next week when it heads to Tucson to face Texas Tech on Friday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. and the game will be televised on the Pac-12 Networks.