Sept. 4, 2009
New Brunswick, N.J. - Stanford evened their record at 1-1 with a 2-0 win over Rutgers on Friday night. The Cardinal used a pair of second half goals to defeat the Scarlet Knights of the Big East.
Garrett Gunther got Stanford on the board in the 59th minute when he finished a beautiful volley in the top left corner for his second goal of the young season. The sophomore now has three goals for his career.
The goal came off a long corner that found Michael Strickland outside the back post, who headed the ball into the middle. The attempted bicycle kick clearance by a Rutgers defender came right to Gunther who did not hesitate as he deposited the ball into the back of the net.
Stanford clung to a 1-0 lead as Rutgers put the pressure on, attempting to score the equalizer. Ibrahim Kamara of Rutgers had a pair of chances in front of the goal, but a header was saved by John Moore, while his other attempt sailed high.
Kamara was Rutgers most dangerous player with three total shots.
The Cardinal created some breathing room in the 75th minute when Bobby Warshaw found the ball at the 18' and slipped the ball behind the defense to a cutting Evan Morgan who took one dribble and then beat Jake Grinkevich in the bottom right corner for his first goal of the season.
The goal was particularly sweet for the sixth-year senior who has missed the last two seasons with separate knee injuries. Morgan was Stanford's leading goal-scorer in 2006.
Moore recorded the shutout in goal, the first of the season and the 10th of his decorated career. In all, Moore made three saves as Rutgers took 11 shots overall.
Stanford was credited with just six shots, but made them count to complete their two-game road trip with a spit. The three goals in two games shows the improved offensive firepower expected from the Cardinal in 2009.
Stanford will now return home to face Cal Poly on Friday, Sept. 11 in its home opener. The game is a part of the Cal Legacy Classic, but will be played at Laird Q. Cagan Stadium at 7:00 p.m.