ASU Soccer: Douglas nets game-winner in the 89th minute to beat Mississippi State

As the clock winded down, the Sun Devils continued to create chances they hadn’t for most of the game. However, Mississippi State goalkeeper Maddy Anderson let nothing passed.

When coach Graham Winkworth substituted the trio of Nicole Douglas, Cori Sullivan and Olivia Nguyen back into the game, there was clearly a plan and it certainly worked. Sullivan started the attack, passing the ball to Nguyen down the right side. She made a nice move, making the defender fall down, and sent in a cross to Douglas, who shot the game-winner past Anderson.

Arizona State (3-0-0) took the 1-0 win over Mississippi State (1-2-0) 90 seconds later.

“We continued to stay patient. We didn’t force it,” said Winkworth about the team’s attack leading up to the lone goal of the contest. “Credit to Olivia Nguyen going one-on-one with a player putting the ball in the box and lovely finish from (Douglas) in the final minutes.”

The defense on both sides starred. Arizona State’s backline played up to its normal standards and certainly played its best game of the season. Winkworth also played one goalkeeper for the first time this season.

Brita Gudlaugs stayed in the net for all 90 minutes on Thursday. Mostly untested, she kept a clean sheet in her first career road game.

“I thought she did very well,” Winkworth said. “She wasn’t too busy, which is great when you play 90 minutes against a team as quality as Mississippi State. It’s a credit to her and credit to the players in front of her limiting the other team’s opportunities.”

Arizona State continues its road trip on Sunday when the Sun Devils take on UAB at 10:00 a.m. Arizona Time.