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There will be no tryouts/practice today, Jan. 27th, due to SRC field closings.

DEVILS CROWNED REGIONAL CHAMPIONS!

November 3, 2009
Tempe, AZ- For the first time in over four years the ASU Sun Devils Men’s Soccer team was crowned region champions. The Devils went to Las Cruces over Halloween weekend with one goal in mind. Come home as regional champions and with an automatic bid to the National Tournament. Suffice it to say, the weekend was a success.

The Devils finished second in the regular season region standings just one point behind bitter rival University of Arizona. Though they had a bye in the first round of the regional tournament, the Devils would have to take on the winner of UTEP and New Mexico Tech in the second round. UTEP won the match with ease and posed a tough second first match of the tournament for the Devils. Readers will remember the UTEP was the team ASU eliminated last year in the same round of the regional tournament and that the two teams played highly competitive matches in the regular season this year.

This year’s regional semi –final result would be no different. The Devils played to a 2-0 victory and controlled most of the match which allowed them to rest some key players for the next morning’s final; expected to be against the Wildcats. However, the weekend would prove to be a nightmare for the team from Tucson.

U of A was down late in the game 1-2 against New Mexico State who beat Northern Arizona in the first round. A late goal from the Wildcats sent the game into overtime. The overtime period was stagnant with neither team being able to grab the initiative and produce a winner. The game was decided in penalties in which NMSU won on their final kicker thrusting them into the final. Two years ago, NMSU and ASU squared off in the first round of the tournament. NMSU advanced 4-3 behind a four goal masterpiece from one of their players and the disallowance of a late equalizer from former player and now current assistant coach Brad Matush. “I was nervous playing New Mexico State again. I remember what happened my senior year and they had already beaten us once this year. They are a different team when they play at home.”

Matush’s nerves were calmed almost instantly as the Devils jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first 20 minutes of the game. The continued to control the pace of play, pumped in two more goals, conceded a goal and grabbed a much deserved region championship. “We went there and did what we needed to do, but our work is not done” Tristan Colyar commented Monday in class. “We set out this year with our goal to win a national championship; everything else is just steps along the way”

The national tournament will be hosted here in Phoenix at Reach 11 Park. Twenty four teams will compete from November 19th-November 22nd for the National Championship crown. The Sun Devils now return to training on Wednesday and Thursday after a day off on Monday. They await their draw for pool play in the national tournament. Check out asusoccer.com over the next couple of days for the Devils draw, game times and field locations. LET’S MAKE THIS A TRUE HOMEFIELD ADVANTAGE!!!!

Congratulations to the 2009 ASU Men’s Soccer Team and best of luck at nationals.

Result: ASU REGION CHAMPIONS.

ASU Men’s Soccer 2009 Regular Season Review

October 26, 2009

Tempe, AZ- For most, the beginning of the fall semester brought an uninviting welcome back to school with the loads of homework and the pressure from already looming midterms. For the ASU Men’s Soccer team it brought another march to towards a National Championship and for some their last chance at winning it all.

The Sun Devils had 14 seniors on the roster making it one of the most experienced since the 2006 season when the Devils finished second in the region and won the open division National Championship. They set out on a quest for another national championship under the direction of new coach Tim Marchisotto. Marchisotto compiled a squad of experience and talent that would prove to be a force throughout the course of the season.

The season started out rough for the Sun Devils going 1-2-3, that’s one win, two losses and three draws, in their first five matches of the season. The Devils dropped matches to University of California-Santa Barbara, who figures to be one of the best teams in the country, and an upset defeat at the hands of New Mexico State. From that point on, the Devils finished the season 6-1 finishing 2nd in the Southwest region of NIRSA behind bitter rivals University of Arizona (7-1-2). The tight battles between ASU and UA and the emergence of the University of Texas-El Paso set the stage for what should be one of the most exciting regional tournaments in recent years.

The Devils will travel to Las Cruces, New Mexico on Friday October 30th for the regional tournament where they have a first round bye and await the winner of UTEP v New Mexico Tech in the semi-finals. U of A also has a first round bye and will face off against the winner of NAU and New Mexico State for the right to play in the region finals.

Fast Facts:

Stonewall Jake “The Quake” Pfeiffer
The Devils had an outstanding season from junior goalkeeper Jake Pfeiffer (Peoria) who compiled 42 saves in his seven starts including an ASU record 16 saves against the University of Arizona. Jake had a record of 3-2-2 on the year.

Goal Machines
Newcomer and exchange student Matt Smith (England) pumped in 16 goals as the Devils leading scorer and also dished out 6 assists as the Devils leading assist man earning him a team high 54 points. The Devils also got 6 goals from last year’s Golden Boot winner Mike Menos (Chicago) and 4 goals from newcomer Zuhair Almumattim. In addition, the Devils had 11 other goals scorers helping them to 41 goals in 13 matches good for a 3.1 GFA (goals for average) and a +24 goal differential.

Seniority Rules
The Devils starting back line this year consisted of 4 seniors: Ben Miller, Tristan Colyar, Dan Ware and Dan Steuber. They allowed 17 goals over 13 matches on the season including 3 shutouts for a 1.3 GAA (goals against average) and a +24 goal differential.

ASU goes 1-1 in Remaining Matches against State Rivals

October 26, 2009

Tempe, AZ- In the last two games of the regular season the Sun Devils faced their two state rivals the last two weekends on the road. The Devils have long been one of the top teams in the region but have never had sole possession of the title “Best Team in Arizona” due too their lack of historical success against bitter rivals the University of Arizona. This year, the Sun Devils overcame a 3 year non-winning streak against the UA Wildcats in their first meeting in Tempe at the beginning of October. The sister match played down in Tucson was another story.

To be honest, from the start, it was a nightmare. The Devils allowed three (3) goals in the first 15 minutes of play. All three goals came as a result of poor defending in the midfield and poor marking in the penalty area. Senior defender Ben Miller put it “We were shell shocked. We came out flat and paid for it.” The Devils would rebound, however; would it prove to be enough? Shortly after the third goal, Zuhair Almumattim was taken down hard in the box and he converted his penalty. The comeback hopes would be dashed when UA added a fourth goal shortly after the Devils’ goal sending the match into half-time with the Devils down 4-1. The second half saw the Devils put the Wildcats under enormous pressure getting a goal from Matt Smith (England) on an assist from Nic Salhuana and a third goal from midfielder Diego Roman (Ecuador) on an assist from Smith. Now within one goal, the Devils felt like they had a chance to ear a valuable point on the road giving them their first regular season conference title in 4 years. Miller remarked “We had them. Even though we were down by three goals at the start of the second half, we never felt out of it.” The Devils applied pressure right to the end failing to convert on some close chances but in the end they would fall just short. “Take away the first 15 minutes and it was another dominating performance on our part. We have to stop coming out flat” Miller commented disappointingly Monday at training.

Result: ASU 3-UA 4
Goals: Almumattim (3), Smith (14), Roman (3)

The next weekend the Devils travelled up north to Flagstaff to take on Northern Arizona. The temperature dipped below 40 degrees at kick off but the Devils were quick to heat things up. Playing on the new state of the art field turf at NAU’s new sport field complex, the Devils moved the ball with quick precision. They pumped in four first half goals two from forward Smith, one from forward Almumattim and one from forward/midfielder and native of Flagstaff Josh Epstein. NAU pulled a goal back on a poor clearance of a free kick. The free kick was saved brilliantly by Walter Hafner but the defense failed to clear the trash leaving a point blank effort for the NAU forward to finish. The second half was sloppy and neither team generated much in the way of goal scoring opportunities. The referee blew his whistle and brought an end to the frigid night and to the 2009 regular season.

Result: ASU 4-NAU 1
Goals: Smith (15, 16), Almumattim (4), Epstein (2)

News - 10/16/2009

5 Games, 5 Wins: A recap of the last 3 weeks in Sun Devil Men’s Soccer.
October 11, 2009

Tempe, Arizona- It has been too long since this beat has been filled. I apologize to my dedicated readers for the hiatus from writing and can offer no excuse that is worth anything for my absence so feel free to make up your own.
Now down to business. Since returning from their tough matches in San Diego, The Devils have had three home games, winning all three, and two road games resulting in the same fashion. The 5-0 mark since the tournament has vaulted the Sun Devils back to the top in the Southwest region and has set the stage for the final weekend October 16-18 at the University of Arizona in Tucson.
Some quick stats before the details… In the five games the Devils have outscored their opponents 29-3 (15-3 at home and 14-0 on the road) showing both their goal scoring prowess and they ability of their stingy defense. The Devils have also seen the return of Diego Roman (Ecuador), Mike Glenn (Phoenix) and Matt Smith (England). In what is perhaps the largest blow to any Sun Devil Men’s Soccer team in recent years came when senior leader Jesse Goldberg (New Jersey) went down with a season ending knee injury in the first game back from San Diego. Goldberg’s contributions defensively and deft touch on the ball as well as his passion and intensity for the game will be greatly missed as the Devils continue to march on towards a national championship.

Games:

In their first game back, the Sun Devils had a chance to extract revenge against the only team to defeat them in region this year; New Mexico State. The Devils thrashed the Aggies 6-1 in front the home crowd fans which saw senior defender Ben Miller (Tempe) netted his first goal of the year. “We did what we had to do. We cam out and played ASU soccer. We showed them that the game in Las Cruces was a fluke and that we are still the class of the southwest region.” When asked about his late goal Miller commented, “The keeper was out of position and I punished him for it.”

Result: ASU 6- NMSU 1
Goals: Fieriesel(1), Almumatim(2), Tell(1), Miller (2), Smith(7), Epstein (1)
Assits: Almumatim (1,2) Fieriesel(1)

It was a quick turnaround for the Devils who, after beating NMSU, had to take on New Mexico Tech later that day. The game started at a torrid pace; almost to fast. The Devils created numerous chances in the first 20 minutes but were unable to break the scoring seal until the 25th when Zuhail Almumatim finally found the back of the net for his third goal of the season. The Devils would concede a goal to new Mexico Tech for the first time in two years before cruising to another 6-1 victory on their home turf. In a side note, Senior Defender Andrew Johnston (Tempe) saw his last minutes on the field for the Sun Devils playing 8 minutes at the end of the game at forward.
Result: ASU 6- NMT 1
Goals: Smith (8), Almumatim (3,4), Tell(2), Stamboul(1), Epstein (1)

In what was the first showdown between the two titans of the southwest conference, ASU took on the University of Arizona for their third consecutive home match. It was clear early on that this clash of bitter rivals would be no different than all the ones before. The Devils have not beaten the Wildcats in 4 years losing in last years regional final 1-3 in Tucson the morning after an overtime game against UTEP. With an unmatched intensity practice the week leading up to the game, the Devils looked poised to finally capture a victory. Coach Marchisotto remarked to the team before the game that this wasn’t like any other game, “If you are not up for this one, something is not clicking right upstairs. This is UA, this is your home field. Take care of business.”
The game started with the Devils looking dangerous. They generated 2 quick corners and 3 shots none of which challenged the UA keeper. The game continued to be hard fought going back and forth with half chances for either team. UA struck first blood after a good 5 minutes from ASU. The ball was played long from the back and bounced once in front of the backline. The UA forward turned played the ball one time off the bounce and from 25 yards out hit a streaming line drive volley past junior goalkeeper Jake Pfieffer into the back of the net. It looked like an ominous sign from years past but in reality it was the match that started the fire.
The Devils would answer 10 minutes later when they were awarded a free kick from 35 yards out. Toby Stopper (New Mexico) stepped over it and looked as if he had intentions of finding the back of the net. However, with superior touch and accuracy, Stopper lifted the ball over the UA wall into the penalty box where Mike Menos (Illinois) held off his defender, lunged through the air and slotted a diving header far post side netting leaving the keeper and the defense stunned where they stood. A goal for the ages brought the teams level; the Devils were not done. With just three minutes to go in the half, Roman converted an excellent goal in his return to the pitch. UA was attempting to clear another Sun Devil corner kick when Roman muscled off a defender took one touch on a ball running away from him towards the sideline at the top of the penalty box, and then he lashed it into the near post low corner giving the Sun Devils a lead they would not relinquish on this day.
The second half saw more brilliant play from both sides with UA looking dangerous at the start and poised to get the equalizer. Numerous free kicks and corners for the Wildcats were thwarted by Pfieffer who ended the day with an ASU record 16 saves. The game was put to death when the Sun Devils scored their third goal of the match at the feet of Menos. Menos was played a long ball and touched it around the defender, ran hard to just nick it by the goalkeeper and then coolly slotted it into the net knowing he had sealed the deal.
In what was an unusually clean game, no cards, the Sun Devils suffered a significant loss when midfielder/defender Andrew Beat (Colorado) went down in a 50/50 challenge. It was a fair yet unfortunate challenge. Beat one the header and his opponent was a touch low missing the ball and connecting with Beat’s head instead. Beat suffered a broken nose, chipped tooth and concussion. He was taken to the hospital as a precaution but was seen later than day on the sideline at the ASU Women’s Club Soccer game and is in good spirits.

Result: ASU 3-UA 1
Goals: Menos (5,6), Roman (1)
Assists: Stopper (2), Beat (2)
Saves: Pfieffer 16*
* ASU record.

The last two games of the five game win streak happened this weekend in Socorro, New Mexico. The Devils travelled east across the desert on a mission to solidify their spot as top in the southwest region taking on Northern Arizona University and New Mexico Tech. The first game was against Northern Arizona. The Lumberjacks did not know what hit them. The Devils put on a clinic trouncing NAU 9-0. Smith scored 3 goals in the game leading the Devils to victory. The afternoon fixture was not much different when ASU took on New Mexico Tech. The Devils won the match 5-0 completing a weekend in which they outscored their opponents 14-0. An important part of the weekend was the Sun Devils depth. Connor and Ty Callahan (Oregon) saw significant time in both games in preparation for the regional and national tournament. The Devils also rested goalkeeper Pfieffer and allowed Ben Sell (Tempe) and Walter Hafner (Snowflake) to get some time. Sell also scored a goal in the game against NAU.

Results: ASU 9 – NAU 0
Goals: Smith (9, 10,11,), Ware (1), Menos (7,8), Sell(1), Armstrong(1), Roman (2)

Result: ASU 5- NMT 0
Goals: Smith (12, 13,14), Menos (9,10)

This weekend the Sun Devils are on the road in Tucson, Arizona for a Saturday night match at 8:00UA. The Sun Devils would like to give an honorable mention to their great fans that have shown unfailing force and enthusiasm at the Devils home games and are certainly a force to be reckoned with of their own (just as white socks). Come out and support your Men’s soccer team this weekend in Tucson for the last two home region games of the season!

News - 9/23/2009

In a correction from yesterday's article regarding the tournament in San Diego, it should be clarified that Matt Smith (England) netted the goal against Colorado State in the Sun Devils second match and that the goal that Mike Menos scored against San Diego State represented Menos's second goal on the year not of the tournament. That brings Smith's total to 3 on the season.

As a reminder, the Sun Devils play this Saturday at the SRC fields. Game times are currently 10am and 4pm but could change due to other scheduling conflicts! Check back and we hope to see you all out there!

News - 9/22/2009

ASU Holds Steady in San Diego
Andrew Johnston
September 22, 2009
San Diego, California- With beach in the background and the sun high in the sky, the ASU Men’s Soccer team competed in the Aztec Cup this weekend in San Diego, California on the campus of San Diego State University. While most people head off to San Diego for the weekend for some heavy beach time, the Devils were all business. They were placed in a group that included former national champions UC-Santa Barbara, the hosts San Diego State and always strong Colorado State.

Tournament play for the Devils began against UC-Santa Barbara. The Devils dropped the match 0-2 giving up a goal in the final 5 minutes of each half. Coach Marchisotto was about to be pleased with the first half until the goal was relinquished just before time “It deflated us. It frustrated us. We can’t give up the possession game especially in the last five minutes of a half. We were competing, hanging on, with a better team at this time (point in the season) and we gave up a frustrating goal.” In the second half, Marchisotto was frustrated with the style of playing commenting that the Devils played to many balls in the air and made little attempt to play possession. According to Coach Marchisotto, Jake Pfeiffer (Peoria) and Nick Salhuanua (Tempe) were standouts in the first match. The Devils suffered another loss in the game however when senior forward Diego DeNicola (Italy) went down and broke his wrist. DeNicola is doubtful for this weekend but is hopeful that he will be able to return before the seasons end.

The Sun Devils next took on Colorado State. Most of the match was controlled by the Sun Devils especially in the first half with the new center midfield combination Salhuanua and Diego Roman (Ecuador). “Nick and Diego allowed us to control the midfield and helped us play possession” Coach Marchisotto remarked. The second half, however, was not as pretty. As coach Marchisotto put it, “I think the second game of the day and the heat of the day made us a little fatigued, we maybe lost a little bit of focus.”

The Sun Devils played to a 1-1 draw with Colorado State. The final match of the tournament for the Devils pitted them against the hosts San Diego State. The match was tied 0-0 at half time. Coming out for the second half SDSU only had 10 men on the field and did not provide an eleventh before play started. Once play had begun, an eleventh stepped on without the consent of the center official. The player was awarded a yellow card and asked to return to the bench area before being invited to return to play. After quite an argument with the official and ruckus from the bench, the player was awarded a second yellow card and sent off. The official then proceeded to excuse a member of the SDSU coaching staff from further duties that day. Blood was still boiling when the two teams returned to action. Just 5 minutes later, Sun Devil forward Zuhair Almumattim was viciously taken down in the penalty area. The Devils were awarded a penalty and senior forward Mike Menos (Chicago) converted for his second goal on the season. Coach Marchisotto was proud of the team for maintaining their composure throughout the match and was much more pleased with the style of play. He commented that back up goalkeeper Walter Hafner (Snowflake) played well and instilled confidence in his teammates only giving up the one goal. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Coach Marchisotto was happy with the weekend. He commented that he got to see a lot more of the pieces of the puzzle coming together. Coach Marchisotto mentioned Salhuanua, Menos, Patrick Tell and Jake Pfeiffer as standout players for the tournament and was encouraged with the flashes of brilliance from Almumattim and impressed with the performance of the freshman Ty Callahan (Oregon). Coach Marchisotto is happy with what he sees so far but still recognizes areas for improvement, “We will continue to play to the strengths of our team as we learn more about them everyday.”

Pfeiffer commented last night “It was a promising weekend. I am excited to get back to region play.”

The Sun Devils will train Monday, Wednesday and Thursday this week in preparation for their two games at the weekend. Come out and support the Sun Devils as they take on Mew Mexico Tech and look to extract revenge from New Mexico State this weekend in Tempe.

Results: ASU v UCSB 0-2
ASU v CSU 1-1
ASU v SDSU 1-1
Games: ASU v NMT 10am
ASU v NMSU 4pm

Goal: MENOS (2)

Injuries: Matt Smith and Mike Glen were sidelined at Monday’s training but are both expected to train Wednesday and play at the weekend. DeNicola is doubtful for the weekend.

News - 9/19/2009

ASU Earns First Win and Suffers First Loss in New Mexico
Andrew Johnston
September 19, 2009
Las Cruces, New Mexico

The Sun Devils were on the road last weekend in Las Cruces, New Mexico for two matches on Saturday. The Devils defeated UTEP 1-0 in their first match but fell to New Mexico State in an upset in their second match 2-4.

The match against UTEP was tight as the Sun Devils controlled most of the play but were still playing sloppy. Senior defender Tristan Colyar (Phoenix, AZ) likened it to the Devils’ first match of the season. “It was sloppy. It was almost a mirror image of the first game. We controlled most of the play, never looked too dangerous, got our goal and just didn’t give up a late penalty.” Newcomer Toby Stopper (New Mexico) got off the mark with his first goal of the season before injuring his ankle and having to come off for the remainder of the game. Junior Goalkeeper Jake Pfieffer (Peoria) looked strong again as he made multiple crucial saves. The Defense recorded their first shutout of the season; something that the Devils will look for more if they continue to struggle to put the ball in the back of the net.

The Devils had just two hours in between their match against UTEP and their match against New Mexico State. Coach Marchisotto looked to his bench to start the game in order to give his starters some much needed rest and to hopefully allow time for Stopper and Taylor Fieriesel to recover from ankle injuries in the first game. The game started off unfortunately with the Devils conceding three goals in the first 10 minutes including an own goal from senior defender Dan Ware. After the abysmal start, Marchisotto put most of the starters back in but stayed with goalkeeper Ben Smith for the rest of the first half. Pfieffer returned in the second half to shut out NMSU. The Devils were able to draw two goals back one coming from Matt Smith (England) his second on the season and one from Diego DeNicola (Italy) his first goal on the season. There were some encouraging things that came from the weekend. “It was nice to score before the sixth game of the season” DeNicola remarked and Ware commented that he was glad to get the sloppy mistakes (referring to his own goal) out of the way early.

Next the Sun Devils will take their 1-1-1 record to the Aztec Cup hosted by San Diego State University. The Sun Devils were placed in a group with former National Champions University of California, Santa Barbara, hosts San Diego State University and Colorado State University. There are concerns going into the weekend due to the Devils lack of consistent play and the nagging injuries of Fieriesel and Stopper. In addition, Patrick Tell has a sore hamstring which limited him at practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Senior defender Ben Miller commented at practice on Wednesday about the state of the team heading into the tournament. “We have the talent we just need to gel. We will be ok, this weekend will be tough and show us where we are but at the same time it will good for some of the new guys to see the level we need to be at if we want to compete for a national championship.”

Goals: STOPPER (ASU, 1), SMITH (ASU, 2), DeNicola (ASU, 1)
Saves: PFIEFFER v UTEP (8), SMITH v NMSU (4), PFIEFFER v NMSU (5)

News - 9/9/09

Sun Devils Control Play but a Late Penalty Spoils Victory.
Andrew Johnston
September 5, 2009
Tempe, AZ
In what was a wet game played in less than desirable conditions, the ASU Men's Soccer team began their season with a 1-1 tie against UTEP on Saturday. As promised, the game was filled with plenty of hard tackles and skilled play. Coach Marchisotto put together his first starting 11 for the Sun Devils which consisted of Jake Pfieffer (Peoria) in goal, Dan Ware (Phoenix), Tristan Colyar (Phoenix), Ben Miller (Tempe) and Dan Steuber (Phoenix) on the back line, Jesse Goldberg (New Jersey), Zuhair Almumattim, Taylor Fieriesel (Phoenix) and Toby Stopper (New Mexico) in the midfield and game captain Matt Smith (England) and Mike Menos (Chicago) up top.

The Devils wasted no time getting the scoring started with a goal in the 5th minute from Matt Smith. Steuber Played the ball into the box from his left back position and it was poorly cleared by the UTEP defense. Goldberg pounced on the clearance and headed the ball back into the mix where Smith brought it down from his chest, took one touch and slid it past the keeper to the low far corner.

After the goal, the Devils remained dangerous earning four corner kicks in the next twenty minutes. Though they were unable to convert any of these chances, the Devils controlled the game and were the better team for most of the first half. UTEP had one chance in the 35th minute when there center back stepped into the attack to collect a cleared corner kick. He then fired it on net from 30 yards out only to be thwarted by the sure hands of the Devils goalkeeper Pfieffer. This was the first of 6 saves Pfieffer would have in the game including a penalty kick save in the 89th minute.

The Devils continued to have the upper hand through most of the second half. Goldberg made crucial tackles defensively in the midfield and Menos and Smith continued to bruise defenders up front. Defensively, the Devils continued to play tight not giving to much space for UTEP to create and killing potential breakaways with fouls. The only breakdown came in the 89th minute when UTEP was pouring on the pressure in hopes of a late equalizer. A UTEP player made a run at goal just inside the penalty area. Andrew Beat (Colorado) made a clever sliding challenge and won the ball but had the terrible misfortune of the ball bouncing up off the ground into his hand. The center referee awarded UTEP a penalty kick. The first effort by Matt Ambrose (UTEP) was saved brilliantly by Pfieffer but there was no follow up from the Devils and Ambrose converted the deflection from point blank range. In what would have been a dramatic finish, the center referee awarded the Devils a late free kick from 25 yards out on the left side. Stopper took the kick and struck it true only to be undone by the woodwork and to see the second effort volleyed over the bar out of play. With that the full time whistle blew with the score level and each team earning 1 point. The Devils showed their depth utilizing 7 players not in the starting eleven. Patrick Tell came on and provided energy physical play that helped the Devils win the battle in the midfield. Andrew Beat also showed great physical play and made some impressive tackles on the outside of the defense killing a UTEP attack each time. Mike Glen (Phoenix) and Diego Roman (Ecuador) provided stability in the center of the midfield and were instrumental in controlling the pace of the game. Tom Sahajdack (Michigan) and Nacim Stamboul (Ecuador) each had two stints on the outside that kept the work rate high in the midfield and created fatigue problems for the UTEP wingers. Diego DeNicola (Italy) was brought on and his speed and creativity clearly caused problems for the defense as he was crucial in securing several corner kicks for the Devils. DeNicola also provided created chances for himself that he will look to finish as the season goes on.

Coach Marchisotto had good things to say about the Devils after the game. He praised the effort of everyone who got in and the attitude of those that did not. He specifically mentioned the presence of Matt Smith up top and applauded his goal. He also had the team acknowledge Jake Pfieffer for his consistent play and control of the defense and spectacular penalty save. Marchisotto continued the accolades with his mention of Toby Stopper’s late free kick effort and consistent pace and creativity on the outside. The only part of the game that frustrated Marchisotto was the lack of effort on the follow up of the penalty. “Your keeper makes a great save and nobody is there to help clean it up. I even mentioned before the kick to get on the line and rush in. It was a mental breakdown that needs to be corrected.” Overall Marchisotto was pleased with the level of play acknowledging that he has a good squad and will expect great things from them as the season rolls along.

The Devils find themselves in Las Cruces, New Mexico next weekend for a rematch against UTEP and their first match against New Mexico State which fell to Northern Arizona 4-5 in the match before ASU v UTEP.

Goals: SMITH (ASU, 5’,1), AMBROSE (UTEP, 89’, 1)
Assits: Goldberg (1)
Yellow Cards: Goldberg (13'), Stopper (47'), Smith (75'), Menos (80')
Red Cards: None
Saves: Pfieffer (6)
Result ASU 1 - UTEP 1

News - 9/3/09

ASU Men’s Soccer Completes Tryouts and Prepares for UTEP
Andrew Johnston
September 3, 2009
Tempe, Arizona
If you were one of the many students that happened to use the SRC in the evenings last week you would have noticed the over 130 ASU men playing soccer on the fields just outside. Those men were trying out for the ASU men’s soccer team. Tryouts began Monday August 24th and lasted until Saturday August 29th. Of the 130 participants, new head coach Tim Marchisotto decided to take 25 players for his traveling roster and invited 5 more players to continue to train with the team. The roster is a good mix of returning players from last year’s regional finals squad as well as some new freshman and foreign talent. Coach Marchisotto was pleased with the overall level of quality at the tryouts and feels that he has a good group to prepare for a national championship run. For a complete roster, visit asusoccer.com. Coach Marchisotto comes to ASU with a breadth of coaching knowledge at many different levels. His coaching stints include Grand Canyon University (NCAA D-II) Men’s team for 8 years, Women’s team for 4 years, Paradise Valley CC (NJCAA D-I), Assistant coach for the Arizona Sahuaros (D-III Pro League, MPSL), assistant coach at Bowdoin College (NCAA D-III) and assistant and head coach at Stevens Institute of Technology (NCAA D-III), he has also coached for the Olympic Development programs in both New Jersey and Arizona. In addition, Coach Marchisotto is a former scout for the NY/NJ MetroStars (MLS) and worked in the front office for the Arizona SandSharks (CISL). The Sun Devils are excited to be lead by coach Marchisotto this season. In talking with coach Marchisotto, he is “happy with the players we selected.” He will get his first chance to see just to see what his new team ca this Saturday, September 5th against the University of Texas-El Paso right here in Tempe, Arizona. “Saturday will be a test, a measuring stick, but that’s good.” Game time is set for 12:00pm setting up a high noon shootout between two teams that share a bitter rivalry. Last year the Sun Devils played 3 matches against UTEP winning their home match 2-1 and their match in the regional semi-final on a wonder strike from returning Senior Defender Ben Miller. The semi final match had stretched into overtime when Miller was brought off the bench for his first action of the match. His impact was swift and deadly. Just three minutes after being brought on, Miller scored a one touch volley, golden goal into the upper near post corner leaving the keeper with no chance and sending the Sun Devils through to the region final. Miller recounts the goal as one of his top moments in his soccer career but was quick to point out that ASU left the job undone last year losing their next game and not qualifying for the national tournament. “We have to get the job done this year. We have too many talented players, too many experienced seniors and now a coach who can put it all together; it will be an exciting ride.” An Exciting ride indeed. Coach Marchisotto will be turning to new forward Matt Smith from England and looks for him to combine with leading goal scorer from last year Mike Menos to “give people some problems.” He also harkens to the “fire and passion” that Jesse Goldberg and Taylor Feiereisel bring to the game which will undoubtedly ignite the team. Perhaps one of the strongest parts of the new Sun Devil team is the defense. “We are experienced in the back with the likes of Dan Ware, Tristan Colyar and Ben Miller and have solid goal keeping with Jake Pfeiffer and our other keepers. We have depth there and everywhere else on the field which will be important for our long season.” Can the ASU men rebound from a disappointing short end to their season last year? Can they bring a men’s soccer national championship back to the Valley of the Sun? The drama begins to unfold this Saturday, September 5th at 12:00pm at the ASU SRC field. Be there and bring the heat.

News - 9/1/09

ASU vs. UTEP this Saturday, September 5th, at NOON at the SRC!!!!

News - 8/18/09

Tryouts for the ASU Men's Club Soccer Team will take place at the SRC East Field:

Monday August 24th 9-11pm
Tuesday August 25th 7-9pm
Wednesday August 26th 7-9pm
Thursday August 27th 7-9pm
Friday August 28th 7-9pm

Please bring cleats, water, and shinpads and $15

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President: Ben Miller
president@asusoccer.com

Webmasters: Thomas Sahajdack & Andrew Beat

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