Sept. 28, 2007
TEMPE, Ariz. - Led by senior Courtney Crane, who scored two goals, the Arizona State women's soccer team defeated San Diego State 3-0 at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium. The Sun Devils improve to 5-4-0 overall. The Aztecs drop to 3-4-2 on the season.
The Sun Devils netted a goal in the first minute of the game as junior Kylla Sjoman crossed the ball across the goal and found Crane who redirected the ball into the net. The score, 55 seconds into the match, marked the fastest goal scored in Sun Devil Soccer Stadium history.
"One of the things that we discussed in practice yesterday is we are creating a lot of chances and usually that is the hardest part of the game is to create the chances," said ASU head coach Kevin Boyd. "The problem we were having is we were creating and we weren't making them dangerous. We needed to find a way to create chances and be dangerous. We went through some scenarios and discussed it and worked on it. We challenged the forwards a little bit. All three goals came from the front line."
Crane continued the scoring in the second half as she received a pass from freshman Karin Volpe in the 52nd minute of play. Crane dribbled past San Diego State goalkeeper Aubree Southwick and into the net.
Crane's two goals set a new single-game career best while her four points in the game moved her up to No. 9 in ASU's record book with 35 all-time career points.
Senior Lauren Niblett finished the scoring for ASU in the 61st minute of the match. Niblett dribbled through several defenders before crossing the ball into the net for her second goal of the season. The three goals were the most scored on San Diego State this season.
"Not only is it great we scored a bunch of goals but we also got to play 21 players" Boyd said.
ASU goalkeeper Briana Silvestri is credited with the win for ASU. It was the fourth shutout for ASU this season.
The Sun Devils outplayed the Aztecs as they took 21 shots, the most at home this season. ASU was able to relieve several starters as 21 different players got time on the pitch Friday, including sophomore goalkeeper Katie Cochran who saw 14-plus minutes in the goal.
The next match for the Sun Devils is set for Sunday as they host the Creighton Bluejays in Sun Devil Soccer Stadium. Game time is set for noon.