After coming off a loss against possibly their toughest conference opponent yet in the Kansas Jayhawks, Arizona State came into Buser Family Park looking to finish off this week's road trip on a positive note. 

The Wildcats of Kansas State finished in a draw in their last bout against Arizona earlier in the week using their well-rounded offense and defense, which is the statement for the team thus far. 

However, ASU (7-2-2, 2-1 Big 12) shut down Kansas State (5-2-4, 0-2-1 Big 12) en route to a 2-0 victory Sunday, Sept. 24, at Buser Family Park in Manhattan, Kan.

1. Smothering Defense 

After the Sun Devils’ early-morning victory, that marks the team's fifth shutout of the year. The defense and grittiness of this team define their style of play nearly 10 games into the season. 

After losing key players from last year's campaign, many not only wondered about who ASU would pick up but also what the team’s identity would be with a new roster. 

One of these key defenders who departed from the team was senior goalkeeper Pauline Nelles.

Nelles ranked not only as one of the team's best players, but as one of the best goalkeepers in college soccer.

Behind sophomore goalkeeper Kennedy Zorn's fantastic work around the box, the Sun Devils adapted this type of play style.   

Zorn recorded another scoreless match while posting nine saves. 

Zorn transferred from Michigan to ASU and is already making her presence felt, even winning Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Week.

2. Early Offensive Explosion 

After being held scoreless in the previous matchup against Kansas, ASU finished Sunday’s match with two goals, both of them coming within the first 25 minutes of the match. 

Graduate midfielder Peyton Marcisz started off the scoring the goal unassisted for the Sun Devils. 

Marcisz scored her fourth goal of the year, and routinely provides ASU with offense. Marcisz is only behind junior forward Kierra Blundell in total goals. 

Marcisz’s day didn’t end there as she set up Blundell for goal at the 22:53 minute mark. Blundell is one of the few players from last year's campaign to return to the Sun Devils and she’s been a key part of the team’s success so far. 

3. Conference Play Improvements 

One of the biggest struggles during the 2025 campaign for ASU came against conference opponents. 

The Sun Devils started off with an undefeated record with only two draws throughout 10 games played. 

Things took a turn for the worse once the bulk of the conference play matches started racking up, ending the 2025 campaign with a conference record of 3-5-3. 

One of the more heartbreaking losses came against Arizona where the game ended in a draw, ending ASU’s chances of reaching the postseason. 

So far, the Sun Devils have a 2-1 record against conference opponents and look to add a third victory against No. 25 Texas Tech Friday, Oct. 2.