It was a hot evening in Tempe as the Sun Devils faced off against the Cougars. Yet before kickoff, history had already been made as ASU set an attendance record, 2027 fans, shattering the old mark. 

With the record-breaking crowd, the Sun Devils put on an early show that started with a goal from senior forward Cameron Valladares in the eighth minute to take a 1-0 lead. 

Coming off a great setup pass and assist from freshman midfielder Addison Baltodano, Valladares rallied to the ball, took the open shot and capitalized to ignite the team and fans early.

Not even 10 minutes in, and  ASU led its 10th-ranked rival. In a great position, the Sun Devils looked to ride the momentum and extend their lead, but BYU tightened up defensively. 

Despite this, ASU continued to shoot and keep up the pressure.

The Sun Devils continued to rack up shots, as they finished the half with nine total shots, with three on goal.

Defensively, ASU challenged the Cougars by allowing only six total shots and one shot on goal. The Sun Devils carried a 1-0 lead into halftime. 

Forty-five minutes away from downing the No. 10 team in the nation, ASU kept the foot on the gas. This aggressive attitude paid off, as the Sun Devils extended their lead to 2-0 after a strong finish from Baltodano. 

Now finding herself on the receiving end of a pass, Baltodano capitalized on her opportunity off a great setup from Valladares and sophomore forward Sierra Bergen in the 49th minute. 

Needing to respond quickly, BYU attacked and took three strong shots in the next 10 minutes, with the final shot saved by ASU senior goalkeeper Pauline Nelles. However, the Cougars broke through in the 84th minute, cutting the Sun Devils’ lead to 2-1. 

This goal gave life to BYU and put pressure on ASU to hold on. 

As the clock wound toward the 90th minute, the Cougars made a final push, yet failed to surmount a comeback. The Sun Devils knocked off a heavyweight, defeating No. 10 BYU to open Big 12 play.  

Thursday marked the first time ASU triumphed over BYU since 2004, and the Sun Devils’ first ranked win since 2023. \

Head coach Graham Winkworth credited the team's intensity for the statement victory.

“BYU is really well coached, and we had to match their intensity,” Winkworth said. “They work so hard, and I wouldn't trade our girls for anybody. We started the game really well, started the second half really well, and then when we were tired, we defended and put our bodies on the line.” 

The Cougars ended the game with four shots on goal, well below their season average of eight per game.

 Sun Devils’ senior defender Grace Gillard credited the team's discipline for BYU’s lack of offense.

“I think we stayed disciplined and had to keep our shape,” Gillard said. “We stayed patient and when we got the ball, we kept it as well as we could, and if we lost it, we just reset and stay disciplined again.”

Coming off winning freshman of the week, Baltodano secured a goal and an assist to certainly put her in the running to win the award in back-to-back weeks.

Thursday also marked the debut of reigning Big 12 freshman of the year, sophomore forward Kiera Blundell, as she worked back from an injury.

Despite defeating a ranked opponent, Winkworth said his focus is on the remainder of the season.

“I'll enjoy it [win] tonight, but then tomorrow it's Oklahoma state,” Winkworth said. “I don't get to enjoy it till the end of the season.”