Colorado State Rams (1-4) VS #19 Arizona State (3-4)
3:30 p.m. MT | Colorado State University NCAA Football Practice Field
On the Foco Front
Colorado State faced Boston College Saturday, where the Rams struck first for their fifth consecutive after midfielder Adyn Cover completed a shot after a transition from attacker Jack Rego. The Rams kept the tempo fast and competitive early on, with goals from attacker Lochlan Rogers, midfielder Ryan Menard and attacker Tanner Marsh putting the Rams just one away at halftime, 5-4.
In the second half of the game, Menard recorded a hat trick, with Cover adding another goal and two assists. Despite the strong offensive front CSU had, the Eagles were able to find holes in the defense pulling away a 16-10 win.
Players to Watch
Jack Rego currently sits with 17 points for the Rams combining his nine goals and eight assists, helping to drive CSU’ offense. Rego’s ability to finish a play and also distribute the ball has made him a key player in getting the ball passes between defenders and finding the net.
Defensively, Long-Stick-Midfielder (LSM) Danny Schneider has been active for the Rams, recording nine ground balls and three caused turnovers. Scheinder has also added two points to his name this season. LSM Kaden Rahne has also contributed for CSU’s defensive unit, collecting eight ground balls, a key skill in helping CSU maintain possession and control tempo.
The Sun Devils Stephen Butterfield has been active across the field for ASU, collecting 24 ground balls while also adding six goals and two assists this season – Butterfield ability to contribute defensively and offensively is a player for the Rams to keep their eye on, and not let them possess the ball. Currently Deacon Gull leads the team in shot production with 41 shots and nine goals this season, followed by Ryan Kuptz who has been a major scoring threat with 17 goals just seven games in, providing Arizona with additional scoring depth.
Arizona State on the Field
ASU enters the matchup following a 14-12 loss to the Colorado Buffaloes March 6. Arizona currently sits at a 3-4 overall, being 2-0 in divisional play, so far splitting their home and road contest so far this season. This season the Sun Devils have produced nine goals per game just in comparison to the Rams blank goals. Despite their loss to CU, ASU demonstrated a competitive pace throughout the game, just falling short in the blank quarter – ending the game.
Game Outlook
Sunday’s match will come down to possessions and efficient defense, Colorado State has shown its ability to create scoring opportunities with 153 shots so far this season, while Arizona generated 202 shots overall.
For the Rams, defensive power during this game is essential to limit ASU’s scoring abilities. Both teams are capable of producing goals, and capitalizing on possession – but it’s the team that can tighten their defense that will add pressure to the game and determine the final score. This is CSU’s second home-game of the season, after a loss, the team will look towards a win today to close out the weekend with a strong performance.