Oct. 2, 2010
Stanford, Calif. - Stanford saw its four game winning streak come to an end Saturday, falling 3-0 to California at Laird Q. Cagan Stadium. The hard-fought game was much closer than the score as Stanford pushed forward looking for an equalizing goal in the second half, but instead gave up two late goals.
In typical rivalry fashion, the game was played with an increased physicality and intensity. The teams combined for 20 fouls with neither team backing down from one physical challenge after the next.
"This rivalry is always physical," said head coach Bret Simon. "I thought it was even more so today than usual."
The match started with a flurry, including a brilliant reaction save by Jason Dodson in the second minute. Dodson was later forced to leave the game with an injury and was replaced by freshman Drew Hutchins, who was seeing his first collegiate action.
Cal outshot Stanford 13-4 in the first half and got on the scoreboard in the 16th minute when a Paul Davis cross was converted by John Fitzpatrick with a one touch.
The Cardinal came out with renewed energy in the second half looking for the equalizing goal. Stanford had 13 second-half shots, including a couple close calls from Bobby Warshaw off of corner kicks.
Unable to find the tying goal, Stanford continued to send numbers forward until they were eventually caught on a counter-attack. Fitzpatrick scored his second goal on an assist from Hector Jimenez in the 89th minute and then 57 seconds later Jimenez found Servando Carrasco for Cal's third goal.
It was a disappointing ending for Stanford, who seemed to be building momentum throughout the second half, but was unable to find the goal it needed.
The loss drops Stanford to 4-5-0 and 0-1-0 in the Pac-10. The Cardinal will look for its first Pac-10 win on Friday, Oct. 8, against Washington in Seattle.