Arizona soccer is competing in the Sun Devil Classic from Thursday, Aug. 31, through Sunday, Sept. 3, in Tempe, Arizona. The classic consists of two games for the Wildcats. In the first game, the Wildcats beat Kent State University 5-0 at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, at 1:30 p.m. 

The only other time Arizona played Kent State was back in 2003, which also resulted in a Wildcat win. The Wildcats’ starting lineup consisted of Hope Hisey, Gianna Christiansen, Shanti Weddington, Megan Chelf, Sarah Rice, Cameron Valladares, Nyota Katembo, Aranda Hurge, Sami Baytosh, Ella Hatteberg and Nicole Dallin. 

Arizona came out of the locker room ready to go. Christiansen took a shot on Kent State’s keeper in the 2nd minute. Then, in the 8th minute, Dallin took two shots on goal and Valladares took one in the 9th minute. 

In the 27th and 29th minutes, a few substitutions were made, bringing Marley Chappel and Savannah Holley into the game, respectively. Fresh legs on the pitch gave Arizona a boost in energy. Shortly after, Christiansen scored a goal in the 30th minute making the score 1-0 Arizona. 

Kent State assessed the goal and made some substitutions of their own, placing three new players onto the field. The half ended with Arizona’s Desiree Foster taking a low shot on goal. 

The second half was more physical, with three fouls in the first 13 minutes. Dallin beat four defenders with an intense dribble and then shot the ball in the opposite corner of the net in the 60th minute, making the score 2-0 Arizona. Both teams then made a few substitutions. 

Just over one minute after the second goal, Valladares ripped a shot that lobbed into the goal from outside the box. With the score sitting at 3-0, Arizona found their momentum and became hungry for more. 

In the 67th minute, Hatteberg carried the ball up the right side of the field at a sprint, feeding the ball to Foster who launched the ball into the back of the net. The goal put Arizona ahead 4-0. 

It wouldn’t be an Arizona game without Chelf contributing to the action. 

She seized her opportunity in the 74th minute and extended the Arizona lead to 5-0. Kent State could not hold their defensive line, which provided Arizona enough wiggle room to score 5 goals in the blowout win.

Arizona is now 2-1-1 and will head back to Sun Devil Soccer Stadium for their second game in the Sun Devil Classic to play Boise State University on Sunday, Sept. 3, at 1:00 p.m.

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