Kansas Soccer Secures First Big 12 Victory Over Arizona State

The Kansas Jayhawks women's soccer team secured its first Big 12 conference victory of the 2026 season, defeating the Arizona State Sun Devils 2-0 in their home opener Thursday evening. This win establishes an early lead in Kansas's five-match home conference schedule.

Jayhawks Notch Two Goals

Senior forward Jocelyn Herrema opened scoring for Kansas in the first half. Senior defender Caroline Castans then extended the lead with a second goal, sealing the decisive victory. The win advances Kansas's overall record to 4-3-1 and their conference record to 1-0-0.

Early Conference Standings Shift This victory positions Kansas favorably in the nascent This victory positions Kansas favorably in the nascent Big 12 standings, which now includes Arizona State following recent conference realignments. The early conference win provides momentum for the Jayhawks as they navigate a competitive Big 12 schedule. Conversely, Arizona State begins its conference play with a loss, placing immediate pressure on their upcoming matches.

Team Performance Highlights

Kansas's defensive performance proved notable, holding Arizona State scoreless throughout the match. The team's ability to convert scoring opportunities, particularly from senior players, was critical. Herrema's goal marked her third of the season, while Castans's goal was her first, highlighting contributions from multiple positions. Big 12 Competition Outlook If Kansas maintains its defensive solidity and offensive efficiency, the team could contend for a higher seeding in the Big 12 tournament. Conversely, if Arizona State struggles to find its offensive rhythm in subsequent games, it faces a challenging path to qualify for postseason play. The outcome of these early conference matchups often dictates the trajectory for both individual teams and the overall conference landscape.