Nov. 15, 2008
BERKELEY, Calif. - Stanford's final men's soccer match of the 2008 season was like many of the others, a one-goal loss decided on a second-half score.
The 1-0 loss to Cal at Edwards Stadium on Saturday meant the Cardinal suffered its ninth one-goal loss this year, the most since at least 1971 and probably the most in school history.
But Stanford's 4-11-3 record does not show the ferocity of effort and perseverance that have been the trademarks of the team all season, even as its offense struggled.
"The guys played valiantly," Stanford coach Bret Simon said. "Our junior captain, Michael Strickland, played on an injury. It was a close one. Unfortunately, it followed the script of our earlier games."
Cal (10-3-5, 5-2-3) broke the deadlock in the 49th minute when Jacob Wilson got a bead on a deflection and powered in a shot from 10 yards.
Though Stanford had much of the possession in the second half against a Golden Bears team ranked No. 12 in the nation in the NSCAA coaches' poll, it was unable to produce the equalizer and was shut out for the ninth time this season.
"Stanford is a very difficult opponent for any team, and today they proved why we have to have the best out of all of our players, including our seniors, in order to get the win," Cal coach Kevin Grimes said.
Stanford goalkeeper John Moore made six saves and the Cardinal had a final scoring chance when Daniel Leon's 89th minute 20-yarder was saved by Stefan Frei.
Cal 1, Stanford 0
Stanford 0 0 - 0
California 0 1 - 1
C - Wilson (Soares, Wiedeman), 49th.
Records - Stanford 4-11-3, 2-6-2; California 10-3-5, 5-2-3.