(Photo: Steve Rodriguez/ASU Athletics)
It was ASU’s early offensive opportunities that allowed them to shut down the highest scoring team in the Pac-12, USC, and come out with a 2-0 win.
Just nine minutes into the game, senior forward Cali Farquharson applied some quick pressure on USC’s goalkeeper, and deflecedBut t in an early goal. This marked Farquharson’s 11th goal of the season.
But she wasn’t done yet, as she found the back of the net again with 25 minutes left to play in the game. The star forward was able to capitalize on a penalty kick, upping her goal count to 12. This is the most goals Farquharson has been able to score in any given season throughout her ASU soccer career.
With just seven minutes left in the game, ASU junior goalkeeper Chandler Morris went down after a nasty collision. Morris was able to stay in the game and hold her role as the ultimate last line of defense for the Sun Devils. The win makes Morris’ sixth shutout of the season.
Freshman forward Aly Moon and Farquharson worked well together up top for ASU throughout the game, generating a lot of shots on goal and providing the intensity and pressure on USC’s defense.
Late in the game, USC got a solid amount shots on goal, upping their intensity level as their need to find the back of the net became more desperate. But, the Trojans just couldn’t capitalize on these opportunities due mostly to their lack of ability to get numbers up.
The Sun Devil defense proved solid throughout the game. The back line played with cushion in order to keep their lead as they tried to keep every ball in front of them, making it that much more difficult for the Trojans produce offensive fluidity.
This shutout marks the third consecutive win against USC for the Sun Devils.
You can reach Michelle Minahen on Twitter @Meechmina or via email at mminahen@asu.edu
