Sept. 10, 2010
Stanford, Calif. - Stanford dropped its third consecutive game, falling 2-1 in overtime to UNLV on Friday afternoon at Laird Cagan Stadium. It was the third straight one-goal loss and the second in overtime.
Stanford fell behind in the 35th minute when UNLV mounted a counterattack with Jonny Espinoza finiding Robert Garcia for the opening goal. The Cardinal and Rebels were even with eight shots apiece in the half, but the counterattack was the difference.
Both teams had several chances in the second half as well. Cameron Lamming hit a crossbar early in the half and the game continued scoreless until the 84th minute.
Finally, the Cardinal broke through due to the hustle of Garrett Gunther. The redshirt junior chased the ball deep in the UNLV zone to eventually create a turnover and a chance for himself in front of the opposing goal. His shot was deflected and Taylor Amman was on the spot to clean up the rebound for his first goal of the season. Gunther was credited with the assist.
Regulation concluded with the game 1-1 with both teams taking 15 shots. Jason Dodson made three saves for Stanford while Simon Cook had four for UNLV.
In overtime, Stanford put the pressure on right away, creating a couple of chances. Lamming and Amman had a two-on-one in front of the goal, but were unable to convert. Moments later, UNLV again counterattacked and converted the game-winner. Joaquin Rivas finished after a pair of quick passes from Nick Marshall and Jonny Espinoza set up the goal.
It was a tough loss for Stanford who seemed to be gaining momentum through the final minutes of the match. The Cardinal will have to regroup as they return to action in just over 48 hours when they face Sacramento State on Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. The game will be back at Laird Q. Cagan Stadium.