Sept. 12, 2010
Stanford, Calif. - The Cardinal men's soccer team can't buy a break early in the 2010 season as it conceded a late goal to fall 1-0 to Sacramento State as part of the Cal Legacy Classic under the lights at Laird Q. Cagan Stadium. Stanford was playing some of its best soccer of the season in the second half and despite several chances could not find the go-ahead goal. Instead, the Hornets scored with just 18 seconds to play and left with the victory.
Stanford fell to 0-4 on the season, losing its fourth straight one-goal game. Sacramento State won the Cal Legacy Classic after the win, in addition to its win over Saint Mary's on Friday night. Fernando Cabadas of Sacramento State was named the tournament MVP, while Ryan Thomas was the lone Cardinal player named to the all-tournament team.
Stanford came out with an early intensity that led to some inspired and sometimes rough play from both teams.
The Cardinal had its chances, including a free kick from just outside the box. Cameron Lamming played the ball back to Bobby Warshaw who used a touch and then blasted a dipping shot that forced Hornet keeper Cesar Castillo into a diving save.
Later Garrett Gunther placed a shot in the upper corner, but Castillo again made a diving save.
In the half, both teams took five shots with Castillo saving two and Stanford keeper Jason Dodson saving one.
The Cardinal picked up the quality of its play in the second half, dominating possession of the ball and creating several chances down the wings. Stanford forced 10 corners, but could not find the winning goal. Warshaw, Clayton Holz and Daniel Leon all had shots to no avail.
Just as it appeared the game would head to overtime, Sacramento State created a chance in the middle of the field as Ernesto Carranza won a ball and carried it on his foot towards goal. His chip found a streaking Chris Bettencourt for a one-touch goal.
The goal was a dagger to the Cardinal who has had one tough loss after another early in 2010. The good news is Stanford has plenty of time to rebound with two months of season still to go.
Stanford will look to get back on track, Thursday at 7:00 p.m., when they travel north to face San Francisco as part of the Bay Area Classic. The Cardinal will host Santa Clara on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. to compete the tournament.