Arizona State faced a challenge they hadn’t experienced all season long against Kansas.

Kansas (7-2-1, 1-0-1 Big 12) took down ASU (6-2-2, 1-1 Big 12) Thursday, Sept. 24, 2-0. The Jayhawks hosted the Sun Devils at Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence, Kan., for each squad’s second Big 12 conference matchup, and Kansas beat ASU in a way that has yet to happen in the 2026 season.

A header goal by senior defender Caroline Castans early in the second half gave the Jayhawks their second goal of the night. 

For the first time in the 2026 campaign, the Sun Devils allowed more than one goal in a single match and had to play with a two-goal deficit.

Castans’ goal in the 54th minute was the first second-half goal ASU has allowed this season.

3 takeaways from the loss:

1: Iron Devils

Thursday night’s matchup between the Sun Devils and the Jayhawks was a physical one. 

The match saw an abundance of collisions and even a few injury stoppages. However, ASU remained strong and tough throughout.

Despite the physical intensity of the game, the ASU offense had a late surge of energy in the second half. By that point, however, it was too little too late.

Yet, with the Sun Devils being two games through Big 12 play, the depth of their roster is showing strong. 

ASU used seven substitutes in the match against Kansas and six in the Sun Devils’ first Big 12 match against Utah.

This depth is important for the Sun Devils going forward, as getting players in not only gives starters their rest but also builds experience throughout the entire roster.

The physicality aspect builds up ASU’s players, which becomes increasingly important down the stretch when games become more intense as the Big 12 playoffs approach.

2: The Achilles’ Heel

ASU’s defense has been strong throughout the season. Before facing Kansas, the Sun Devils posted four shutouts and hadn’t allowed more than one goal in any match. 

However, they’ve struggled against set pieces.

Kansas’ first goal in the 33rd minute came from a flick shot by senior forward Jocelyn Herrema off a corner kick by fifth-year midfielder Livvy Moore, who assisted on both Kansas goals.

The set-piece goals have been ASU’s Achilles’ heel throughout the entire season, and it was no different against Kansas. 

Going forward in Big 12 play, the Sun Devils will need to tighten up their defense in these situations.

3. Big 12’s Biggest Opponent

The Jayhawks are one of the better teams in the Big 12.

For the Sun Devils, playing against a top opponent in the conference can be a good thing. From here on out, ASU likely won’t see anything exceptional compared to the team they faced Thursday.

Given that the Sun Devils went on the road to face a top team in the Big 12, losing 2-0 isn’t the worst possible outcome. 

Heading into the rest of conference play, ASU can learn from its mistakes against the Jayhawks and work to prevent them throughout the rest of the season.

While there are still many tough opponents for the Sun Devils to play before season’s end, getting what is one of the hardest ones out of the way may be crucial going forward.

ASU will continue on the road in the Sunflower State when the Sun Devils take on Kansas State Sunday, Sept. 27.