PHOENIX – A first-half penalty kick converted by senior Tatum Thomason proved to be the difference as arizona State University’s women’s soccer team defeated Pepperdine 1-0 on Friday, Sept.5.The Sun Devils secured the victory despite being outshot 18-2 for the match.
ASU took the lead after Thomason was fouled in the box, earning a penalty kick. “I blacked out, to be honest. It kind of popped out and their centerback whent to clear it and I kind of just decided to run through it and take a touch around her and then she just caught my foot,” Thomason said. She confidently stepped up and scored, stating, “Coach (Winkworth) kind of had a group of people that he wants to take them and I’m glad that he trusts me to take one…full confidence I got this I know where I’m gonna put it.”
The second half saw Pepperdine control possession, recording 12 shots and three corner kicks. ASU goalkeeper Pauline Nelles was crucial, making six saves in the second half and extending her consecutive minutes without conceding a goal to 300. Nelles finished with six saves contributing to the team’s fourth clean sheet of the season.
Strong defensive play from centerbacks Grace Gillard and Lucy Fazackerley in the final 10 minutes helped secure the 1-0 result. “On our defending, we run our socks off…we communicated really well. We fought hard defensively and we stayed organized and compact ultimately that’s what helps us win the game,” said ASU Head Coach Winkworth.
Thomason led the Sun Devils with two shots on goal. ASU remains undefeated on the season and will next face Denver on sunday, Sept. 7, at 10:00 a.m. MST at sun Devil Soccer Stadium, with the match streamed on ESPN+.
