Aug. 27, 2011
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Stanford opened the 2011 season by falling at Santa Clara, 1-0, on Saturday night at Buck Shaw Stadium. After conceding a first half goal, the Cardinal controlled play in the second half but could not find the equalizing goal.
The Cardinal outshot Santa Clara 9-7 for the game, including a 3-2 advantage on goal. Stanford also owned the majority of possession during the game, but were unable to find the back of the net.
Santa Clara jumped out to an early lead, scoring in the 35th minute. Alex Fitchen scored for the Broncos what turned out to be the game-winner.
Stanford dominated possession in the second half, but could not find the back of the net. Zach Batteer drew a foul deep in the Santa Clara zone, but a Dersu Abolfathi free kick sailed wide. Later, Alexander Binnie broke through the Bronco defense, but his shot was saved by Santa Clara goalkeeper Kevin Klasila. It turned out the flag was up for offsides for what might have been Stanford's best opportunity.
The Cardinal also got multiple shots from Taylor Amman and Garrett Gunther, but Kasila earned the shutout for the Broncos.
Drew Hutchins earned the start in goal for the Cardinal and made one save. He falls to 0-1 on the season, despite conceding a single goal.
Stanford will continue the non-conference season on the road next week when it makes an East Coast swing to face Maryland and Georgetown. Friday's matchup with No. 2 Maryland will be on national television as the Fox Soccer Channel will air the game live. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m., PST. Sunday, the Cardinal will take on Georgetown at 10:00 a.m., PST.