Nov. 23, 2007
Stanford, Calif. - The Stanford women's soccer team played another strong game Friday night at Laird Q. Cagan Stadium, but was unable to find the net in a 2-0 loss to the University of Connecticut. Stanford out shot the Huskies 12-7, but couldn't capitalize on their opportunities.
In the first half Stanford controlled the ball for most of the frame and got a couple strong shots on net. Kelley O'Hara took a shot in the 31st minute that Husky goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe was barely able to deflect over the goal. The Cardinal had another strong chance when junior Allison Falk headed a corner from freshman Christen Press, but the attempt sailed wide right and the half ended in a scoreless tie.
In the second half each team was playing strong soccer when Meghan Schnur stole a pass at near field and sent the ball to a streaking Meghan Cunningham. Cunningham gathered the ball and fired a shot that got past goalkeeper Erica Holland on the right side of the net. It was Cunningham's sixth goal of the season.
Connecticut added another goal in the 69th minute when Annie Yi found the net and the Husky lead. Stanford then got aggressive offensively, but it wasn't enough and the Huskies walked off the field with a 2-0 victory. They will face Florida State in a NCAA Quarterfinal match next weekend.
In this breakthrough season for the Cardinal, they compiled a 15-3-5 record and made a second Sweet 16 in a row. The six Cardinal seniors depart after compiling 53 wins in their four seasons on the Farm.
Head Coach Paul Ratcliffe praised his departing seniors after the game. "It was just a weird game," said Ratcliffe. "I felt like we dominated the first half and Connecticut just was able to convert their two scoring chances. I am so proud of the players that are moving on from this program, they are such great people."