ASU soccer cruised to a 3-0 victory in its 2015 season opener against Portland State, relying on offensive production from its usual, proven players.
The Sun Devils were on the attack early, achieving two quick chances against the Vikings before scoring in the fifth minute on a lightning strike from senior forward Cali Farquharson.
After setting the ball on her right foot, Farquharson fired the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal--escaping the reach of Portland State goalkeeper Angela Haluska to put the Sun Devils on top 1-0.
Farquharson's goal was the 35th of her career, which brought her into a tie for second highest number of goals scored in ASU history.
Farquharson said rising on the list stresses her out.
"I'm trying not to think about it," Farquharson said. "This is my last year and I need to keep it up."
As the first half progressed, ASU continued to relentlessly attack the Portland State back line. In the seventeenth minute, ASU senior midfielder Tommi Goodman played a through ball forward to junior forward Larisa Staub, who subsequently scored the Sun Devils' second goal of the match.
Staub said she loves being in a position to attack.
"Defense is fine, but I love playing forward and attacking," Staub said. "Attacking is my strong suit."
The first half was one of pure domination for ASU, with the Sun Devils getting off 12 shots, while shutting out the Vikings in that category.
"We've been driving in the idea of attack," said ASU head coach Kevin Boyd. "And I thought we defended well across the board."
ASU continued to keep Portland State on its back heels and pressed aggressively in the second half.
In minute 51 of the match, ASU sophomore defender Madison Stark found sophomore forward Aly Moon on a cross that landed right at her feet in front of the goal.
After gaining control of the ball, Moon buried it into the upper-back portion of the net to increase the Sun Devil lead to 3-0.
It was a frustrating night for the Vikings, who were issued more yellow cards (three) than they had attempted shots (two).
Friday night marked the 200th career win for Boyd, and his 76th since being hired at ASU.
The accomplishment was also unique because the opposing coach, Laura Schott, played for Boyd from 1999-2002 when he coached at Cal.
"I'll take that as special as anything else that it got to be against one of my ex-players," Boyd said.
Sun Devil soccer's next match will be an exhibition against Beijing Normal University. The game kicks off at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23 in Tempe.
Reach the reporter at rclarke6@asu.edu or follow @RClarkeASU on Twitter.
Like State Press Sports on Facebook and follow @statepresssport on Twitter.
