Early goal gives Wildcats soccer victory at Sun Devils

By Scott Mammoser

TEMPE, Ariz. – Morgan McGarry executed in the sixth minute to give the University of Arizona women’s soccer team an early lead it sustained in its 1-0 win at rival Arizona State on Friday.

After hitting the post twice on the same possession, McGarry earned her third goal of the year on the Wildcats’ third attempt, with Samantha Falasco credited for the assist.

The Wildcats close their regular season at 12-5-2 and 5-4-2 in the Pac-12 Conference, holding a No. 27 RPI, all but ensuring them an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament. ASU meanwhile fell to 10-6-1 and 5-4-1 with a No. 40 RPI, placing it squarely on the bubble. There is one more match to play for ASU, however, that could change everything. The top-ranked team in the nation, undefeated-and defending national champion Stanford visits Tempe at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

“Everything is possible,” ASU coach Graham Winkworth said of upsetting Stanford. “When I was at South Alabama, we played Florida State, and they were No. 1. I explained to the girls that if you go a goal down, that doesn’t mean the game is over. But, even if there is a small chance, you need to understand the possibility is alive, it’s 11 players against 11 players. We’re going to go out there and give our best and show it is possible to play Stanford and get a result.”

The Sun Devils were on a four-game winning streak- their second such streak of the season, and Arizona has now won three consecutively against ASU.

“It was a little bit frustrating,” ASU defender Jemma Purfield said. “It’s disappointing because it’s a big rivalry, and we want to win games, and we’re playing for a lot. We’ll bounce back, and I’m so proud of the girls and the fight.”

Although the seniors were honored before the game on Friday, Sunday will be the final time the following players take the pitch at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium: Purfield, goalkeeper Sydney Day, midfielder Adriana Orozco, forward Casey Martinez, midfielder Madison Wolfe, defender Melinda Gutierrez, forward Natalie Stephens, and defender Angela Boyle.

“It was a hard one to swallow, but we’re going to put this one to bed,” Martinez added. “Our season is not over. Our attitudes need to be in the right place. I am so blessed to be here at ASU, it’s been such a transformative year for me, and I love the team atmosphere.”