Oct. 16, 2011
STANFORD, Calif. - Stanford got back in the win column on Sunday afternoon with a 3-2 win over Oregon State. The Cardinal used three first-half goals to build a big lead and then hung on for its first win in Pac-12 play. Stanford improved to 4-7-2 and 1-3-1 in conference.
The Cardinal jumpstarted a struggling offense with three first-half goals. Garrett Gunther led the way with two goals and an assist.
"I was really pleased to see us score some quality goals in the run of play," said head coach Bret Simon. "We were focused on being more attacking minded today."
The Cardinal got on the board in the 10th minute when JJ Koval played a long ball down the center of the field to a streaking Gunther. Gunther was able to head the ball at the top of the 18-yard box over the head of Oregon State keeper Steve Spangler who was coming out to try to catch the long ball. It was Gunther's second goal of the season and Koval's first assist.
Just a minute later, the Cardinal added to its lead when Alexander Binnie found the back of the net. Adoni Levine took a throw in from the right sideline and found Gunther heading towards goal. Gunther crossed the ball with his first touch and found the head of Binnie who buried the header. It was a fantastic goal set up by some quick passing. The goal was Binnie's second this year, while Levine and Gunther each picked up their second assist.
Stanford made it 3-0 in the 20th minute when Gunther scored his second goal. This time Taylor Amman set up Gunther with a cross from the left side. Again, it was Gunther using just one touch to finish.
The big lead did not last long, however. Oregon State made it 3-1 in the 25th minute and then scored again just 21 seconds later. Both goals were on headers from Colin Mitchell, the second when he leaped into Jason Dodson and managed to redirect the ball over the Stanford keeper.
Stanford steadied its defense from there and took the one-goal lead to the half. The Cardinal outshot Oregon State, 9-8, in the half, while Dodson made four saves.
In the second half, Stanford refocused on not allowing the Beavers to get the tying goal. Defensively, Stanford played well in the second half and substitute Drew Hutchins made one save and intercept a couple crosses in the box.
"They are a tough opponent in that they keep sending balls into the box," said Simon. "We stepped up defensively in the second half to seal the win."
It was a big win for Stanford and its first ever in Pac-12 play. Stanford improved to 4-2-2 at home and continues to be a different team offensively where it has scored 12 goals in eight games.
The Cardinal also got contributions from different players on Sunday as some role players stepped up with the team playing a bit shorthanded because of injury.
"A number of players were out of position today because we are getting deep into the season and are a bit banged up," said Simon. "Everyone worked hard and we were able to get results. Austin Meyer and Bobby Edwards saw their most significant playing time and did a nice job for us."
The Cardinal will head out on the road next for the rematches with Washington and Oregon State. Stanford plays in Seattle on Friday, Oct. 21, at 7pm, before heading to Corvallis to take on these same Beavers on Sunday, Oct. 23, at 2:30pm.