ASU women's soccer coach Kevin Boyd instructs his team during a 7-on-7 tournament. (Photo Courtesy of Steve Rodriguez)ASU soccer finished their non-conference season off with a six-game win streak, tallying an impressive 7-1-1 record.
The team will get a boost to its starting lineup for the start of conference games, with junior defender McKenzie Berryhill set to rejoin the starters.
Berryhill suffered an injury earlier in the season and has come off the bench in the last three games.
Head coach Kevin Boyd is confident that Berryhill has recovered fully, based on how she played in her last game.
“Based on her play today she will be part of the starting lineup,” Boyd said after ASU's win over Cal State Northridge on Friday. “She looked fully back to me.”
Berryhill will play a pivotal role for the Sun Devils in conference play as she brings experience and leadership to the backline.
She is especially dangerous in one-on-one situations defensively.
Heading into conference play, the team will continue to rely on its two primary scoring threats: junior forward Cali Farquharson and freshman midfielder Aly Moon.
Over the weekend, Farquharson became the team's top scorer with her eighth goal. Moon ranks second on the team with seven.
Moon did not play in ASU’s last game, as Boyd decided to keep her on the bench as a precautionary measure after a hit she received during practice.
Boyd said he is very satisfied with the way his team has played this season and looks forward to beginning conference play, though he recognizes that conference play will be different dynamic.
“I’m pleased with our effort and the soccer we are playing,” Boyd said. “We are enjoying what we’ve accomplished and the way we’ve performed in our non-conference play.”
The Sun Devils host UCLA at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, in Tempe.
Reach the reporter at mtsteine@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @MarcTSteiner
Like State Press Sports on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @statepresssport
