Oct. 9, 2011
STANFORD, Calif. - Adam Jahn's sensational free kick in the 77th minute capped Stanford's comeback to earn a 1-1 draw with California on Sunday night under the lights at Cagan Stadium. The draw puts Stanford at 3-6-2 and 0-2-1 in the Pac-12 and ends its six-game losing streak against the Golden Bears.
"It was probably a just result," said head coach Bret Simon. "At times we were in control and at times they were in control. It's what you expect out of a rivalry game."
The Golden Bears took the early lead when John Fitzpatrick scored on a header in the 27th minute. The Cal striker was played a ball from the left side by Connor Hallisey and snuck into the box to finish the header from straight on.
Stanford managed seven shots in the first half, but did not have any on target. Jason Dodson made two of his five saves to keep the margin just one goal.
Cal continued to keep the pressure on in the second half, outshooting the Cardinal 10-5. However, as time ran down, Stanford made a tactical change to play one more player forward. The move paid off as Stanford earned a free kick deep in the California end.
Jahn stood over the free kick from about 25 yards with a group of California players forming the wall. Undeterred, Jahn bent a ball into the upper right corner, nicking the crossbar and into the back of the net. It was the perfect placement as the goalkeeper had anything less than perfection covered.
"It's the third time I have had a chance like that and this time it went in," said Jahn. "I usually decide where to shoot based on what the wall shows and where the goalie is standing. It was a small target, but I hit it just where it needed to be."
The goal was the third of the season for Jahn and pulled Stanford even.
The Cardinal continued to press, not content with the tie, but was unable to find the game winner. Stanford outshot Cal 7-3 in the overtime periods, including a couple of chances from Garrett Gunther in the final moments.
The go-ahead goal was not to be, however, as the Cardinal settled for the draw. The result ended the six-game losing streak against Cal, but was not the result the team was hoping for.
"We look forward to seeing them again in a few weeks," said Simon.
Stanford will remain at home to face Washington and Oregon State next weekend. The Cardinal will take on the Huskies on Friday, Oct. 14, at 7pm and the Beavers on Sunday, Oct. 16, at 1:00pm.