Sept. 5, 2003
Stanford (1-0) opened its 2003 campaign with a thrilling 1-0 double overtime victory over #18 Cal State Fullerton (2-1) when Darren Fernandez headed in the only goal of the game on an assist by Bret Shimizu at 102:27 in a first round game of the Cal Adidas Legacy Classic at Edwards Stadium. Stanford goalkeeper Robby Fulton, who broke the school's single-season record and led the nation with an 0.43 GAA a year ago, picked up his 11th career shutout and notched a career-high 13 saves. Stanford, the NCAA runner-up last season, won its seventh straight season-opener dating back to 1997.
"This was a very important win for our young team," said Stanford head coach Bret Simon. "Cal State Fullerton is an excellent opponent."
"This was a huge win, because it gives us confidence," added Fulton. "We hope that we can build on this and just keep playing better."
Fulton's biggest save came at 86:12 when Cal State Fullerton's Hector Orellana got a close look from about five yards out on the left side of the goal before Fulton came up with his shot attempt to the left post.
Stanford had previously bunched together three serious opportunities midway through the second half, including an open shot from the top of the box by Fernandez that missed high at 78:00. James Twellman previously had a shot miss just left of the net at 65:30 and the Cardinal earned a direct kick that nearly missed when Matt Janusz was fouled just outside of the box at 61:03.
Cal State Fullerton controlled play for much of the regulation and finished with a 17-9 shot advantage over the Cardinal. Both teams registered a pair of corner kicks.
Stanford's Chad Marshall (88:27) and Cal State Fullerton's Jason Ashurst (101:46) were both hit with yellow cards during the contest.
Cal State Fullerton's Omar Bywaters had a game-high five shots.
Cal State Fullerton goalkeeper Sam Reynolds picked up three saves while being defeated for the first time in three outings this season.
Stanford extended its unbeaten string versus Cal State Fullerton to five games dating back to the last Titan win in 1988 and now leads the all-time series between the clubs, 6-3-2.
Stanford concludes the Cal Adidas Legacy Classic with a contest versus Old Dominion this Sunday, December 7 (11:30 am).