Aug. 26, 2016

GAME INFORMATION
Final Score: Arizona State 4, Loyola 0
Records: Arizona State (2-0-1); Loyola (0-2-1)
Location: Sun Devil Soccer Stadium -- Tempe, Ariz..
Goalkeepers of Record: W: Megan Delaney (2-0-1); L: Maddie Ford (0-2-1)
Stats: Box Score

In Short…
Host Arizona State jumped out to a two-goal lead in the first half and never looked back as it defeated the Loyola University Chicago women's soccer team by a final score of 4-0 this evening at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. With the win, the Sun Devils improve to 2-0-1 on the young season, while the Ramblers fall to 0-2-1.

How It Happened
Arizona State came out attacking from the onset on a warm night in Tempe that saw temperatures hovering in the mid 90s at kickoff. The Sun Devils' early pressure paid off when Lucy Lara connected on a booming free kick from 35 yards out that just cleared junior goalkeeper Maddie Ford, making it 1-0 to Arizona State in the eighth minute. Ford, an Honorable Mention All-Missouri Valley Conference choice last season, kept the deficit at one less than 10 minutes later when she denied Jazmerie Mader's attempt at her near post.

Opportunities were at a premium for the Ramblers in the opening 45 minutes. Senior Shelby Koch forced the only save of the first half out of Megan Delaney, the Arizona State netminder, in the 22nd minute. Ford continued her strong effort in goal shortly after when she parried away Natalie Stephens' fast-break attempt. Adriana Orozco sent the hosts into the locker room on a high note just before the half-hour mark as she directed home a low cross from Olivia Hernandez to double the Arizona State lead, 2-0.

The Sun Devils continued to control possession at the start of the second half but Loyola's defense stayed compact, limiting quality opportunities. The Maroon & Gold looked to find its footing on the offensive end in the 59th minute as it generated its first corner kick of the match. Koch's service was eventually deflected out to freshman Ari Banks, who fired wide of goal.

Arizona State put to rest any hopes of a late comeback as it tallied two goals inside an 11-minute span during the final 20 minutes of the second half. Jessica Raybe made it 3-0 in the 70th minute when she connected with a service from Kylie Miniefield before Mader closed the scoring on the evening in the 81st minute as her deflected attempt trickled into the back of the net, cementing a 4-0 win for the Sun Devils.

Looking At The Numbers
- With the win, Arizona State now holds a 2-0-0 record in the all-time series between the two teams.
- The Sun Devils dominated nearly every statistical category, highlighted by a staggering 29-2 advantage in shots that included a 12-1 edge in shots on target.
- Ford made a season-high five saves in goal during the first half before giving way to sophomore Cassidy Lentz, who stopped three shots in the second stanza.

Up Next
Loyola returns to action on Sunday afternoon when it hosts former Horizon League foe Valparaiso. Kickoff from Loyola Soccer Park is set for 1 p.m.