Winless streak extends to five
Following a 1-0 loss to Oregon (8-1-4, 3-1-1 Pac-12), Arizona State (8-5-1, 0-4-1) will go nearly a calendar month without a win. Sunday’s result included the issues that have plagued the Sun Devils during this tough streak.
Duck Kess Elmore dribbled through the right side of the field without much resistance. After she made a move on Arizona State midfielder Eva van Deursen, Elmore had plenty of space in the box to get a shot off. The strike didn’t simply find its way into the net by itself. Lieske Carleer tried to block the shot but the ball deflected off the Sun Devil defender and got past a diving Birta Gudlaugs in goal.
Look at the work put in by @ElmoreKess to earn this goal!
38′ | Ducks 1, ASU 0#GoDucks pic.twitter.com/1XMWxdKiB4
— Oregon Ducks Soccer (@OregonSoccer) October 10, 2021
The 34th-minute score was enough for the Ducks behind the performance of their keeper Leah Freeman. She saved eight shots in the win. Freeman made a few incredible stops. That included a strong-handed catch on a ball from Keri Matthews. Arizona State created a quick buildup that got a cross to Matthews right in front of Freeman, but she made the hard stop look easy.
The Sun Devils’ chances of making another postseason are starting to evaporate quickly. The Pac-12 is hard, and Arizona State has been in every game as its lost four-straight one-goal contests, however, wins need to happen.
Arizona State only has one game next week against a very good Washington State that has only conceded four goals this season. Hopefully extra rest and being at home can get the Sun Devils back on track.