By Tayten Torgrimson
Oregon (7-5, 1-4 Pac-12) comes into a home matchup against the Arizona State Sun Devils (7-8, 2-3 Pac-12) after a one-game trip to San Diego where Oregon suffered heartbreak. Oregon tied the game with about eight minutes left, then gave up a game-winning San Diego State goal with around three minutes left. It’s safe to say that conference play hasn’t treated Oregon kindly. Oregon’s only win came against a talented UC Davis team that had fans amped for the rest of the season. Then Oregon battled against a very good USC team but fell short in the second half, and now San Diego State is the worst loss under first-year coach Jess Drummond. A game Oregon should have won handily on paper, SDSU had one win before this game, per usual the offense did its part, but Oregon, who has had excellent defense at times, seemingly crumbled.
How Oregon can recover:
The answer is simple, and it’s one that I have said multiple times. Lean on senior attacker Lauren Rismani. When all else fails, she can do anything that she is asked. Letting her set up the offense and calm down the fast pace, when necessary, will be key to getting this bounce-back win. If Rismani does her part and the defensive leaders like Lexie Likins, Sydnie Soto, and the goalie combo of Cassidy Eckert and Thayer Hubbard do their part, Oregon should walk away with a satisfying senior day win.
Where Oregon excels:
I truly believe that Oregon’s offense will just be too much for the Sun Devil defense. ASU has had subpar defensive play, allowing 201 goals on the season, and Oregon has a better team all-around statistics-wise: 163 goals through 12 games, 56 assists, and allowing only 124 goals.
How Arizona St. can recover:
In its last game, ASU lost 21-11 to No. 16 Denver. Rely on Lydia Oldknow, the sophomore attacker, leads the team in goals with 38. In eight games this season, Oldknow has scored three or more goals. Defensively, a player like Zoe Mazur will have to do the dirty work and cause Oregon to rush shots and not let anything get past her. Goalie Katie Vahle will need to have a monster game too, she hasn’t had the best season, only a .403 save percentage, allowing 176 goals to her 119 saved.
Where Arizona St. excels:
I think ASU’s best chance to get past Oregon is by getting shots on goal. About 72% of the Sun Devils’ shots are on goal, that amount will be challenging for any goalie to stop. I see the offense of ASU really giving the Oregon defense some struggles. While in the free position, ASU has hit 57.5% of the shots taken. Oregon will have to play smart defensively, which the Ducks have struggled with at times this season.
Score and Lineup Prediction:
Score: 20 – 12 Oregon.
The Ducks finally hit the illustrious 20-goal mark, and never sweeter than on senior day. I see the offensive production being too much for ASU to handle for four quarters.
Oregon Lineup:
Goalie: Thayer Hubbard – 31
Defense: Lexie Likins – 41, Sydnie Soto – 2, Abbey Gicewicz – 4
Midfield: Rachel Pallo – 1, Anna Simmons – 30, Morgan McCarthy – 5, Mady Sweeney – 14
Attack: Lauren Rismani – 3, Haley Cummins – 18
Arizona State Lineup:
Goalie: Katie Valhe – 00
Defense: Gigi Gaspar – 98, Maddelena Signorile – 27, Zoe Masur – 88
Midfield: Shannon Urey – 99, Teagan Ng – 77, Bella Ingrao – 18, Keeley Cleland – 9
Attack: Lydia Oldknow – 20, Mina Scott – 21, Anna Thornton – 17