Nov. 16, 2001
Stanford, Calif. - The fourth-ranked Stanford women's soccer team scored a goal in the first half and added another in the second to defeat Denver 2-0 in a first round game of the 2001 NCAA Women's College Cup on Friday night at Maloney Field.
Stanford, the No. 5 seed in the College Cup, improves to 14-3-2 overall and advances to Sunday's second round game against Saint Mary's (3-2 winner over Cal). The Pioneers end the season at 16-3-2.
The Cardinal got on the board first with an unassisted goal from freshman Natalie Sanderson (Ventura, CA). In a scramble in front of the Denver goal, Stanford defender Natalie Spilger (El Cajon, CA) fired the first of three consecutive shots. The Pioneer keeper blocked Spilger's shot only to be faced with another shot from forward Marcia Wallis (Los Gatos, CA). The Wallis shot was blocked by a defender, and Sanderson collected the loose ball, finding the back of the net at 32:08.
Denver's best scoring opportunity came with just under 20 minutes remaining in the game. Forward Molly George volleyed a cross from the right side that hit the crossbar.
Stanford countered on the ensuing possession, and a Cardinal cross from the left side hit the arm of a Pioneer defender while she was in the box. Stanford was awarded a penalty kick, and Becky Myers (St. Charles, IL) converted, giving the Cardinal a 2-0 lead.
In the net for Stanford, Carrie Walsh (Los Gatos, CA) had two saves. Pioneer goalkeeper Erica Izard tallied four. The Cardinal outshot the Pioneers 16-7 in the match, including a 9-3 advantage in the first half.
Sunday's second round game will be the second meeting between Stanford and Saint Mary's this year. The two teams played to a 0-0 double overtime tie at Maloney Field on October 26, 2001.
1 2 Final Denver 0 0 0 No. 4 Stanford 1 1 2
Scoring - STAN: Sanderson (Unassisted) 32:08, STAN: Myers (Penalty Kick) 72:56.
Shots - Denver 7, Stanford 16
Saves - Denver (Izard 4), Stanford (Walsh 2)
Corner Kicks - Denver 3, Stanford 5.