QUICK KICKS...
• The Arizona State Sun Devil soccer team will kick of the 2017-18 athletic season with a home match against Ohio State Friday afternoon at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium.
• Friday's home match will not only kick off the 2017-18 Sun Devil Athletic calendar, but will also serve as the first game under first year head coach Graham Winkworth, who joined the Sun Devils this summer. Winkworth has spent the last four seasons transforming the South Alabama women's soccer program into one of the top mid-major programs in the country and an emerging national power. Under Winkworth's direction, South Alabama experienced a complete turnaround and continuously set school records and program bests including qualifying for four-straight NCAA postseason appearances, winning four straight Sun Belt Conference Championships, and earning the program's first top-25 national year-end ranking.
• Sun Devil soccer has enjoyed a lot of success in season opening matches, culminating in an 8-1-1 record over the last ten seasons. ASU enters the weekend tilt against OSU on a four match unbeaten streak in season openers including a pair of shutouts in their last two matches.
• Seniors Taylor Coon and Madison Stark anchor the defense as the most experienced players in the back four. Coon appeared in 17 games last season, while Stark has made 56 starts in the past 58 contests through the last three seasons. Adding to the depth in the back line will be sophomore Devyn Kelsey, who started all 19 matches during the 2016 campaign.
• Last weekend, the Sun Devils hit the road to play the 2016 Big West Regular Season Champion, Cal State Northridge, in the first of two exhibition matches for ASU in 2017. The two teams battled through the first 30 minutes, but sophomore Angela Boyle found the back of the net in the 32nd minute of play to secure a 1-0 victory.
• Academic success has become a staple in the Sun Devil soccer culture. Since 2007 the Sun Devil soccer program leads the conference in the number of first-team awards (26) and the number of first- and second-team awards (42).
SUN DEVILS LOOK TO BOOST SEASON OPENER RESUME...
Arizona State will look to bolster their already impressive resume when it comes to season openers. Since 2007, ASU has amassed an impressive 8-1-1 record in season openers. Currently, ASU holds a four match unbeaten streak in opening games, including a pair of clean sheets in their last two seasons.
SUN DEVILS IN SEASON OPENERS LAST TEN SEASONS
Year Opponent Result
2016 Boston Univ. W, 2-0
2015 Portland St. W, 3-0
2014 vs. Texas T, 2-2
2013 CSUN W, 2-0
2012 at CSUN L, 1-0
2011 NAU W, 7-0
2010 at NAU W, 4-3
2009 UC Irvine W, 2-0
2008 at NAU W, 4-2
2007 Idaho State W, 1-0
PURFIELD TABBED TO MAC HERMANN WATCH LIST...
Junior Jemma Purfield has been tabbed as one of 30 NCAA Division I players named to the 2017 MAC Hermann Trophy Watch Lists, announced by the United Soccer Coaches (formerly the NSCAA) and the Missouri Athletic Club during the preseason. The MAC Hermann Trophy is the most prestigious individual award in college soccer and is presented annually to the most outstanding male and female players of the year. This year's winners will be announced Friday, Jan. 5, 2018 at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis. Purfield, a Beverly, England, native, played the last two seasons under head coach Graham Winkworth at South Alabama where she led the Jaguars in goals (11) during the 2016 season en route to being named the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year, as well as overall Player of the Year honors.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE A WAY OF LIFE FOR SUN DEVIL SOCCER...
Thirteen Arizona State University women's soccer student-athletes were recognized by the Pac-12 for their work in the classroom as the conference announced its annual All-Academic teams following the 2016 season. Headlining ASU's 13 honorees was senior defender Madison Stark (4.00 GPA – Journalism and Mass Communication), who earned first-team recognition for the second consecutive season. Junior forward Jessica Raybe (3.86 – Exercise and Wellness) and sophomore forward Natalie Stephens (3.89 GPA – Supply Chain Management) earned second-team recognition. It's the second straight season that Raybe has earned second-team honors. Since 2007 the Sun Devil soccer program leads the conference in the number of first-team awards (26) and the number of first- and second-team awards (42).
MADER EYEING CAREER GOALS RECORD...
Senior Jazmarie Mader is quickly closing in on Sun Devil soccer history, knocking on the door of joining the top-10 all-time goal scorers in ASU program history. Mader currently sits just eight goals away from tying Karine Inoue (1997-00) for tenth all-time with 20 goals. ASU legend, Stacey Tullock (1998-01), leads all goal scorers with 50. Cali Farquharson (2012-15) was the latest Sun Devil to join the top-10 after closing out her playing career with 44 goals scored.
ASU CAREER GOAL SCORED LEADERS...
1 Stacey Tullock (1998-01) 50
2. Cali Farquharson (2012-15) 44
3. Elizabeth Bogus (2002-05) 31
Brittany Cooper (2002-05) 30
5. Karin Volpe (2007-10) 28
6. Patrice Feulner (2000-03) 27
7. Manya Makoski (2002-05) 24
8. Antoinette Marjanovic (1997, 99-01) 23
9. Devin Marshall (2010-13) 22
10. Karine Inoue (1997-00) 20
-- Jazmarie Mader(2014-) 12
ABOUT THE BUCKEYES...
Ohio State enters the weekend looking to build on their success over the last few seasons. Under the direction of head coach Lori Walker-Hock, the Buckeyes have established themselves as contenders not just in the Big Ten, but nationally. OSU has reached 11 NCAA Tournament appearances in the last 15 years, including an NCAA College Cup trip in 2010. Last season, the Buckeyes finished the year with an 11-7-3 record, that included a pair of games in the 2016 NCAA Postseason. 2016 marked the Buckeyes' 11th NCAA Tournament and seventh in the last eight seasons. Ohio State is 11-9-2 all-time in NCAA Tournament contests, all under the direction of Walker.
CLEAR BAG POLICY AT SUN DEVIL ATHLETIC EVENTS...
In order to enhance public safety, Sun Devil Athletics will now enforce their Clear Bag Policy at all ticketed events hosted at SDA facilities. Fans may bring in one (1) clear bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" or a 1-gallon plastic storage bag. Fans are limited to one clear bag per person, along with a small clutch or purse for privacy. Please refer to the pictures above for non-approved bags.
Sun Devil Athletics adopted the Clear Bag policy to improve public safety at our venues and provide a great game day experience by making access at all facilities more efficient. This proactive measure will enhance security inside and outside of the athletics venues and speed up the security screening process for all fans.