Catching Up With Former Sun Devil Amy LePeilbet

I had the luxury of being able to catch up with US women’s soccer gold medalist Amy LePeilbet tonight at the ASU women’s soccer game. LePeilbet, who attended attended ASU from 2000-2003, never missed a start in all four years, and played in 74 games. She was a First-Team All-Pac-10 selection from 2001-2003. In 2003 she led a Sun Devil team which finished the season ranked as the No. 14 team in the country. LePeilbet made her first start for the US national team in 2004 against Sweden. She established herself as a key member of the team in 2011 for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. She played in all six matches of the World Cup, including the tournament final in which the US lost to Japan in penalties. LePeilbet and the rest of the US women’s national team were able to avenge the World Cup loss this summer by taking gold in the London Olympics by defeating Japan 2-1. LePeilbet was visiting ASU for Homecoming weekend. 

Mauricio (WCSN): This was a huge summer for you as you were able to get the gold in soccer. Can you describe how it felt once you won the gold?

Amy: It was super exciting to win. We put in so much work all year long after losing in the world cup. That was heartbreaking, so we were all motivated to win gold this summer. For me it was all about the journey, and it all came true when that final whistle was blown and we all won gold.”

WCSN: Can you talk about your time spent at ASU and your most memorable moment here?

Amy: “I absolutely loved attending ASU. I got a great education here, and I got to play four years at the highest level in D1 for the PAC-10. There were challenging games every weekend, and I think that’s really where my soccer foundation really began. [I developed] my technical skills and put in that hard work and that’s really what propelled me forward in making the US team and achieving what I did this year.”

WCSN: What would you say the best part about playing for the national team is?

Amy: “I would say the best part about playing with the national team is getting to represent your country. It is so incredibly amazing to be able to walk out in red, white, and blue, and have your entire country supporting you. It is an honor to do that, and I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to play for this amazing country.”

WCSN: How do you think ASU’s soccer program has transformed or changed since you graduated?

Amy: “With ASU we’re always building every single year. I think we have some of the best facilities and the best coaches. I think the team’s just going to get better if they keep working hard. And hopefully someday we’ll be in the final of the NCAA tournament.” tter if they keep working hard. And hopefully someday we’ll be in the final of the NCAA tournament.”

ASU Wins Double OT Nail Biter

The ASU women’s soccer team captured a 2-1 double overtime victory over Colorado University on Sunday in a nail biting game at the Sun Devil Soccer Stadium.

With only 22 seconds left to play in overtime, Sun Devil freshman forward Cali Farquharson received a ball in the box and sent it past Colorado goal keeper Annie Bruner for the game winning goal.

“I saw space to run into and I ran diagonally into the ball, and I knew [the Colorado defender] was on me. I knew I could turn her, so I turned really quick, shot it, and it went in,” Farquharson said. “This win gives the extra confidence we need, especially going into the last game.”

The win helps the Sun Devils improve to 9-8-2 overall and 5-4-1 in the Pac 12, getting one step closer to their goal of making it to the NCAA tournament.

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ASU Gets First Conference Win in Double-Overtime

ASU women’s soccer played against USC today in a vicious battle that left the Sun Devils with the win in double overtime.

During overtime the golden goal was in effect, meaning the first team to score before the end of the second overtime would win.

USC, facing two red card ejections, struggled in overtime due to only having nine players on the field. At 100:40 freshman Tommi Goodman scored on a rebound, finalizing the score 5-4 Arizona State.

“We needed that goal. We had so much room and they weren’t coming at us and we just had to finish our chances.” Goodman said. “We had so many good ones. It would have been upsetting to leave with the tie so I’m glad we got the goal.”

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ASU 1, Pepperdine 0

Photo: Robert KlineThe ASU women’s soccer team closed out the Sun Devil Desert Classic with an upset 1-0 win over No.10 Pepperdine.

Junior forward Devin Marshall, who missed the last two games due to injury, was the difference maker in the game. In the 64^th minute, Marshall was on the receiving end of a pass from freshman forward Cali Farquharson, and she was able split past two Pepperdine defenders. From inside the box, Marshall chipped the ball over Pepperdine goalkeeper Roxanne Barker and into the right corner of the net for the game-winning goal. 

The Sun Devils (2-4-1) were outshot by the Waves (5-2-0) by a margin of 19-13. However, ASU had the upper hand when it came to shots on goal (6-2).

Pepperdine came out hot in the second half. The team had three scoring opportunities, including a shot from Williams in the 48^th minute that soared just over the crossbar. Immediately after the Sun Devils scored in the 64^th minute, Pepperdine had two close shots that were saved. However, the Sun Devil defense was resilient and was able to close out the game.

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ASU-Houston Postgame Reactions

After starting the season with five road games, Arizona State’s women’s soccer team faced their first home match Friday against Houston in the Sun Devil Dessert Classic. 

The weather remained mild, the team looked prepared, and the fans were ready to see the Sun Devils perform. 

The team looked to add a win to their 1-3-1 record, but left the field in disappointment with a 1-0 loss against Houston.

“We came off strong, I thought we had them, but we lost in the second half and didn’t stay composed. It was our first home game; it was very upsetting,” said freshman forward Cali Farquharson. 

During the first half of the game ASU remained strong with a tight defense, not letting Houston near the goal. 

It wasn’t until the 86:51 mark that a handball penalty in the box was called on ASU, resulting in a penalty kick. The penalty allowed Houston junior Jasmine Martinez to sink the game winning shot, leaving the score 1-0. 

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