ASU women's soccer will host Pac-12 rival Arizona Wildcats and Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks in the Sun Devil Desert Classic Soccer Tournament Friday.
The Ladyjacks are currently 0-3 on the 2015 campaign – They fell 1-0 to the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Aug. 30. Last season was one of much success for the Ladyjacks.
The team finished with a record of 16-3-1, including an undefeated record within their conference.
The Ladyjacks were the No. 1 seed entering the Southland Conference Championship game, but fell to No. 3 Houston Baptist 2-0.
However, this season will be much more fluid, as Stephen F. Austin's top two goal scorers – Zuri Prince and Chelsea Raymond – finished their collegiate careers. The Ladyjacks' No. 3 goal scorer in 2014, sophomore forward Hanna Barker, finished with seven goals and four assists in her freshman year.
The Sun Devil Desert Classic Soccer Tournament is set to run from Friday, Sept. 4 to Sunday, Sept. 6 in Tempe. The Ladyjacks will play the Sun Devils on Friday night at 7 p.m., followed by a match with the Wildcats at 11 a.m. on Sunday. Following the Sun Devil Soccer Tournament, the Lumberjacks will next head back to Nacogdoches, Texas for a five game homestand.
Wildcats look to continue hot streak
Arizona is blazing its way into the Sun Devil Desert Classic tournament with an overall record of 3-0 to begin the season along with an outstanding 10-1 goal differential.
Midfielder Gabi Stoian is leading the way with an astonishing three goals and two assists over her first three games. Arizona first matchup will be against a tough opponent in the San Diego State Aztecs.
The Aztecs are currently 2-1 on the season as of August 31 and will look to gain some momentum after a tough 2-0 loss against California.
In what looks to be an interesting and physical battle between these two teams, look for Arizona's offense to set the tone against a defense that may have had some holes exposed against Cal.
The Wildcats have a lot of momentum carrying into Friday's first round matchup as they go for their fourth straight win on the season.
It will be interesting to see how the Aztecs respond after taking a tough loss in a game they felt they needed to win. Arizona dynamic offense will look to put some shots on goal early to establish and hold a quick lead.
Related Links:
Cali Farquharson records six points, ASU soccer dominates UNLV 6-0
No. 22 ASU soccer prepares to face Mountain West powers UNLV and SDSU
Reach the reporters: at michael.baron@asu.edu and Graham.Paul@asu.edu or follow @Michael_Baron96 and @GrahamASUpress on Twitter.
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