TEMPE— The Arizona State Sun Devils (7-3-3) faced the Iowa State Cyclones (4-5-4) on Thursday for the second time since joining the Big 12 Conference. Despite statistics favoring ASU — with over seven times the amount of attempted shots — the match ended in a 1-1 draw.  

Baltodano not starting in return

A notable change to the lineup was having sophomore forward Addison Baltodano come off the bench, after serving a two and a half game suspension following a controversial play during the Sept. 18 home game against Utah. Although she’s back on the pitch, ASU head coach Graham Winkworth said that she has yet to return to the starting 11 because “she’s got to win the spot.”

The Cyclones started off the game strong, with sophomore forward Sophie Forrester shooting from the top of the box directly into Kennedy Zorn’s hands. The Sun Devils quickly turned the early play into fuel for steady momentum, with back-to-back attempts early in the half. The Cyclones, however, were thorough with their defense, containing a close attempt by junior forward Sierra Bergen.

By minute 16, the Sun Devils had already surpassed the Cyclones 6-1 in goal attempts — a trend that would remain steady throughout the rest of the game.

Angus strikes first

With consistent pressure in the box, freshman defender Mya Angus found a breach in Cyclones’ defense, with a shot meeting the back of the net as redshirt-freshman goalkeeper Eme McClenahan dove left, too late to block the shot. This is the Canada native’s second goal in her first collegiate season.  

Angus quickly attempted two other shots, after the Cyclones had an attacking surge down the field, but were unable to capitalize. Angus was versatile on the field, creating chances by the box with drives up the left side of the pitch, while also defending the box in her position as left-back.

VAR malfunction hinders review

The Cyclones found their rhythm, but action remained concentrated in the midfield after Angus’ goal; until freshman midfielder Izzy Kapanke weaved through the Sun Devil defense, meeting ISU redshirt-freshman midfielder Alaina Villa’s foot outside of the box. Villa capitalized and the Cyclone fans in the stands erupted in cheers. 

However, the referees called for a review on the play due to an apparent handball, but the goal was ultimately ruled to be valid. 

“Unfortunately the VAR wasn’t working so (the referees) only had an iPad to look at it, so I have no idea if it was a handball or not,” Winkworth said. “Maybe it was, maybe it wasn’t, but if the VAR wasn’t working we had no way of reviewing it properly so unfortunately, the goal stood.”

The Sun Devils returned from halftime with high energy, with quick surges up the field. Out of the 16 shots on goal by the start of second half, eight were on goal. The Sun Devils continued to push consistently, creating two chances on goal, swiftly defended by McClenahan. The Cyclones’ goalkeeper had 10 total saves throughout the game. 

“I thought we were excellent in the first half,” Winkworth said. “(The performance) warranted a three-goal lead, but we made one error and they punished us for it.” 

Late advantage goes by the wayside

At the 74-minute mark, ISU freshman midfielder Aubrey Crawford received a red card due to a dangerous foot-to-head play, putting the Sun Devils at competitive advantage with 16 minutes to go.

“I don’t think it really helped us when the red card happened because it was, in a way, more space on the pitch, but not in the areas that we wanted space,” Winkworth said.

The Sun Devils were given the opportunity to push ahead with less than 10 minutes left, with a free kick from Angus, far above the goal. Angus and Baltodano were responsible for five attempts each throughout the game, with Bergen leading with six attempts. 

The final minute was electric, with four attempts by the Sun Devils inside the Cyclones’ box. Two of them hitting the post, bringing the crowd to their feet.

“We’ve got to do better in the final third,” Winkworth said. “I thought Mya Angus was immense, her performance deserved better quality in the final third. (The Cyclones’) goalkeeper was phenomenal, she was — outside of Angus — probably the player of the game. (McClenahan) was wonderful, but we had enough easy chances to win regardless of her performance.”

The Sun Devils return to the pitch on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. against the University of Houston Cougars.