Sept. 27, 2009
Stanford, Calif. - Stanford pushed their winning streak to six with a 2-0 win over New Mexico on a hot day at Laird Q. Cagan stadium, Sunday afternoon. With the win, the Cardinal captured the Stanford/Nike Classic without having to wait for the result of the game between California and Air Force later in the day.
Stanford used an early goal and then some stout defending to defeat a New Mexico team that already has three road victories over top-20 teams this year.
"It was a great win against a team that has been playing so well and so confidently," said head coach Bret Simon. "I thought we showed great defensive discipline and did an excellent job of keeping defensive shape."
The Cardinal got on the board in just the 12th minute when Evan Morgan found Taylor Amman on a cross. Amman's header found the back of the net for his first goal of the season and the second of his career. Amman was starting for the first time this year and it pain immediate dividends. The assist from Morgan was his team-leading third.
The rest of the half saw good scoring chances from both teams with New Mexico hitting a post and the Cardinal putting several shots on goal.
The second half was more action at both ends with New Mexico pushing attackers forward as the game closed in on full time. However, the Stanford defense remained steady and John Moore was active in corralling crosses to shut down the New Mexico air game.
As New Mexico's desperation grew, Stanford created several counter-attacks and in the 89th minute got a second goal. Amman and Cameron Lamming used some one-touch passing to set up Daniel Leon for his second goal of the season.
The win over New Mexico concludes the non-conference season for Stanford with a 6-1-0 record. The Cardinal will now get ready for the Pac-10 season playing with a lot of confidence.
"We have a long way to go, but I think this has a chance to be a special team," said Simon.
The Cardinal will open the Pac-10 season next Friday, Oct. 2, when they travel to Berkeley to face California at 4:00 pm.