Sept. 28, 2007
Stanford men's soccer (3-2-3) battled to a 0-0 tie tonight against College of Charleston (6-1-1) at Laird Q. Cagan Stadium. Despite 16 corner kicks and 21 shots, the Cardinal were unable to find the back of the net. Stanford's defense was very impressive on the night, as they held College of Charleston to just two shots on goal and only three corner kicks in 110 minutes of play. Goalkeeper Andrew Kartunen recorded his third shut out of the season, and his second in a row.
The first half started out very equally matched as the two teams traded shots in the 21st and 24th minutes. College of Charleston fired the next two shots, but both were off frame. Stanford then took over as they had some very good looks at the goal. In the 43rd minute, Michael Alexander took a shot that was blocked right to Dan Shapiro who fired the ball on frame, but cougar goalkeeper Corbin Waller was in position for the save. In the closing seconds of the half, Kyle Hency was out wide to the right side and took a shot, but Waller once again made the save. The half ended in a 0-0 deadlock as both teams played strong defense to open the game.
Both teams continued the stellar defense in the second half. Stanford goalkeeper Kartunen made two saves in the period, while College of Charleston keeper made four. The Cardinal held the offensive edge as they attempted nine shots with four of them on goal. Bobby Warshaw led the charge for Stanford as he booted four shots. One of the best scoring opportunities came in the 68th minute when Warshaw sliced a shot from outside the box, but the Cougar keeper skied up and made a game saving block. The game was headed to overtime as neither team was able to break the scoreless tie in regulation.
Once again, both teams had their chances in the overtime periods, but were unable to capitalize on the scoring opportunities. The two defenses remained stout and controlled the tempo of the game. Only one shot required a save in overtime as Michael Strickland put one on frame in the 96th minute. The score remained the same from start to finish as College of Charleston and Stanford played to a 0-0 tie.
Stanford opens Pac-10 play next week on Friday, October 5 against Oregon State at 5:00 p.m. in Laird Q. Cagan Stadium. The Cardinal stay at home on Sunday, October 7 as they face Washington at 1:00 p.m.