ASU women's soccer hosts third-ranked UCLA
The Arizona State women's soccer team closes out its current seven-game homestand this weekend when two of the nation's top teams visit Tempe. The Sun Devils will open the weekend on Friday night when they host third-ranked UCLA at 7 p.m. Two days later (Sunday, 1 p.m.) ASU will face another tough challenge in the form of the seventh-ranked and defending national champion USC Trojans. Fans are encouraged to help the Sun Devils "Pack the Park" for Sunday's contest against USC.
The Sun Devils (6-3-3, 0-1-0 Pac-10) come into Friday's game looking to bounce back from last week's 2-1 double-overtime setback to Arizona. The loss ended ASU's seven-game unbeaten streak, which was its longest such steak since 2002. Junior Carly Kallas was responsible for the Sun Devils' goal against Arizona. It was Kallas' third career goal in as many games against the Wildcats. Kallas' goal was assisted by sophomore Jill Shoquist, who now leads the team in assists with four.
The Bruins (11-0-2) are one of two undefeated teams in the Pac-10 (Stanford being the other at 12-0-1). While UCLA has had plenty of success on offense this season (21st in the country, 2.46 goals per game) it is its defense that has taken center stage for much of the season. UCLA came into this week's action ranked No. 1 in the nation in goals against average (0.147), shutout percentage (0.846) and save pct. (0.959). Bruin goalkeeper Ashley Thompson is ranked No. 1 in the nation in goals against average (0.162) and save pct. (0.956).
The Sun Devils have been victorious on one occasion in their 11 all-time meetings with UCLA with their lone victory coming in 2004 when ASU upset then-fifth-ranked UCLA 1-0 in double overtime. Three of the prior four meetings between the two schools have been decided by a single goal with the exception coming last season when UCLA defeated ASU 3-1. The lone goal ASU scored (by former Sun Devil Kyleyn Felts) in last year's contest was the first goal the Bruins surrendered in Pac-10 play. They came into the game with ASU holding their previous five Pac-10 opponents scoreless.
Tickets for both of this weekend's contests are on sale now and can be purchased in person at the gate or in advance by calling 480-727-0000.
Quick Notes
· Junior goalkeeper Briana Silvestri's overall GAA of 0.52 is currently No.14 in the nation. Her five shutouts this season are currently tied for No. 5 in ASU's single-season annals while her 11 career shutouts are fourth on ASU's all-time list. This season Silvestri has had scoreless streaks of 418 and 335 minutes.
· Sophomore forward Karin Volpe's 11 career goals are currently 10th on ASU's all-time list. With her next goal Volpe will tie Jaclyn Clark (1997-00) for ninth on the list. Earlier this month Volpe recorded the fifth game winning goal of her career in ASU's 1-0 win over Long Beach State. Volpe's five game winning goals are currently tied for seventh on ASU's all-time list.
· Sun Devil Soccer fans are reminded to tune into CBS 5 on Saturday at 4 p.m. when ASU head women's soccer coach Kevin Boyd and junior defender Liz Harkin join host Gary Cruz live in studio on the CBS 5 Sports Wrap.