An offensive spark in the last six minutes by freshman midfielder Jill Micone was not enough for the soccer team.

The Wildcats (5-9 overall, 0-4 in the Pacific Ten Conference) suffered a 4-2 loss to Arizona State last night. The Sun Devils, a first year program, have opted not to participate in Pac-10 play this season. Therefore, last night's loss will not count as a Pac-10 loss for the Wildcats.

"I was pretty disappointed in our showing," head coach Lisa Fraser said.

Arizona came out strong in the first half, allowing a single goal.

However, the defense was not as strong in the second half and the offense was not able to convert goals to start a challenge for the lead until the last six minutes of the game.

"I thought we had some good chances in the first half, but (in the) second half we just came out really flat," Fraser said.

The Wildcats held the Sun Devils from scoring during most of the first half. Arizona State's first goal came from freshman midfielder Patricia Steiner with 15 minutes remaining in the first half. Steiner got a rebound off a shot attempt and netted the ball to the left side of the net, past sophomore goalkeeper Christa Conway. Freshman forward Sarah Blaska assisted on the goal.

Fraser said the team was frustrated that they were not able to do better in the first half and did not get any momentum going until the last few minutes.

"We didn't convert at all in the first half," Fraser said. "We had five great chances right in front of the goal."

The Sun Devils (3-7-1) dominated the beginning of the second half, scoring their three goals in the half. Blaska shot the ball to the left side of the goal off a free kick from freshman defender Sharon Gillis.

The Wildcats, particularly Micone, then increased their intensity and started to go after the lead.

"There was a lot of frustration out there," Micone said. "I just got sick of it and I visualized myself scoring to help out the team and it worked out for me."

Micone sped up the left side and slid a shot to the left side of the goal. Arizona State goalkeeper Kari Laughlin, a freshman, deflected the ball but an Arizona State defender then tapped the ball, causing it to slide past Laughlin and go into the net.

Micone took a long shot that was dead center of the goal, 30 yards out, three minutes later.

"I'm upset that we couldn't come out with the win, but we have another chance against ASU so hopefully we can come back and take it to them," Micone said.

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