Entering Sunday and coming off a tie with Oklahoma State, ASU looked to bounce back in its third conference play game against the Knights.  

Throughout the game, the Sun Devils employed a 4-2-4 formation, utilizing a wing-heavy approach to generate offense – a strategy that proved successful at times. 

Early in the game, ASU started in a typical manner: very aggressive in transition opportunities while shooting their shots, including early shots from senior forward Cameron Valladares and freshman forward Addison Baltodano. 

UCF came into Sunday’s matinee with what seemed to be the perfect game plan, as the Knights effectively shut down any type of fast break opportunity or shot attempt throughout the game. 

Sophomore goalkeeper Genesis Watson provided UCF with great defense by saving 3 of 14 Sun Devils’ shots. 

The first goal of the game came near the 20-minute mark, as Knights’ senior forward Liz Worden scored off the assist from junior midfielder Honoka Hamano. That goal from Worden forced the Sun Devils to work from behind for the first time since their battle with Texas State on Aug. 24. 

Early in the game, ASU head coach Winkworth began substituting players searching for an answer to UCF’s offense. 

“It was just trying different things out there because what we normally do wasn’t working, and it wasn’t just tactical,” Winkworth said. “There were some mental things today that just weren’t good enough.” 

At the 28-minute mark of the first half, Sun Devils freshman midfielder Adirelle Mibe committed a hard foul after she got stripped of the ball, resulting in a yellow card. 

ASU didn’t play the cleanest game Sunday, registering four offside penalties and that yellow card. 

“Unfortunately, the offsides early in the game were costly because we were in dangerous parts of the field and they’re players that can see the whole width of the pitch,” Winkworth said. “So it’s more difficult for center forwards to stay outside when they’re trying to challenge the last line. Our wingers can do better, and unfortunately, that wasn't the case early in the game.” 

After a competitive end of the first half, the Knights entered the break clinging to a 1-0 lead.

As the second half began, the Sun Devils maintained their aggressive approach in transition, which led to a score from junior defender Lucy Fazackerley, who came off her defender position to head the ball in off the assist from senior forward Tatum Thomason. 

Yet, disaster struck for ASU, as standout senior defender Grace Gillard committed a costly foul on UCF freshman midfielder Gabi Berchon in the box that resulted in a free kick. The Knights took advantage of the Sun Devils’ mistake, as Berchon punched it down the middle of the seam to score the goal at the 53:57 time mark to retake the lead 2-1. 

Senior forward Rajanah Reed extended the UCF lead after recovering a beautiful cross pass by Worden. The forward to forward connection struck for the Knights, extending their lead 3-1. 

Dead in the water with its back to the wall, ASU moved with urgency, pressuring the UCF defenders after senior goalkeeper Pauline Nelles allowed three goals. 

With 14 minutes left in the game, Nelles threw the ball out in a hurry, which resulted in some hurry-up offense capped off with a Thomason goal to keep the Sun Devils in the game. UCF played a smart second half down the stretch, keeping possession away from ASU and draining the clock. 

To make matters worse for the Sun Devils, sophomore midfielder Ella Kettles took a brutal hit from a Knights’ player inside of the game’s final three minutes. The whole stadium’s momentum and soul vanished after this injury, as Kettles remained down on the ground for more than 15 minutes. 

Unfortunately, Kettles exited via an ambulance, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd and players. However, there was still a game to play.

ASU attempted multiple shots down the stretch and even a corner kick, but it was too little too late.

Ultimately, the Sun Devils were unable to complete the last-minute comeback, losing their first game of the year. 

“I try to tell the team not to get too high on those big wins because the next one’s coming. But you know, we’ve played 11 games and we’ve only lost one,” Winkworth said. “We just have to make sure we respond with a good performance against Cincinnati.”