Nov. 9, 2002
Stanford, Calif. - Second-ranked Stanford (19-3, 6-2 MPSF) earned an important win today as the Cardinal fell the fourth-ranked USC Trojans (17-6, 4-3 MPSF) 11-9 at the Avery Aquatic Center. Junior Mike Derse posted a career-high five goals, including the go-ahead goal in the fourth quarter.
Stanford started the day with a 5-3 first quarter lead spearheaded by a three-goal effort by sophomore Tony Azevedo, but the Trojans pulled even in the third quarter, tying the game at 9-9 with 1:04 to go.
Stanford came out strong in the final seven minutes, with Azevedo winning the first sprint of the day for the Cardinal. Both teams had excellent looks at the net, but with just under five minutes left in the game USC's Gadi Hadar fired off a shot that hit the post and was recovered by the Cardinal. Stanford controlled the ball for the next 35 seconds and as time expired on the shot clock, Derse took a pass from sophomore Matt Moser at the top of the perimeter and seared it past the keeper for the go-ahead goal.
Both teams were perfect on man-up situations on the day (Stanford and USC were both 4-for-4) when USC drew an ejection with 2:48 to go in the fourth period, but the Cardinal defense rose to the occasion as senior Peter Hudnut blocked Stephen Lipinski's shot. USC regained possession and with just under one minute to play senior Cardinal keeper Nick Ellis recorded his seventh save of the game, stopping Jordan Hewko's attempt.
With 15 seconds to go in the game and Stanford still leading by one, USC's Frank Schulz illegally jumped in the pool, giving Stanford a four-meter penalty shot. Azevedo took the penalty shot and scored the final goal of the game to give the Cardinal the 11-9 win.
Stanford will conclude the regular home season next Sunday, Nov. 17th as the UC Irvine Anteaters visit The Farm for a noon matchup. The Cardinal will close out the regular season on Saturday, Nov. 23rd in Berkeley at 10:30 am in the Big Splash against California.
Game Summary
Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Stanford Scoring: Mike Derse 5, Tony Azevedo 4, Peter Hudnut 2.
California Scoring: Jeff Larson 3, Jaraj Zatovic 2, Predrag Damjanov 1, Brett Reynolds 1, James Shin 1.
Goalie Saves: Nick Ellis (Stan) 7; Bozidar Damjanovic (USC) 8.
6-on-5: Stanford 4-4; California 4-5.
Penalty Shots: Jeff Larson (USC), 2nd period, 3:15; Tony Azevedo (Stan), 4th period, 0:15.