April 29, 2012
STANFORD, Calif. -- The Cardinal could not keep its late-season run going, falling in the MPSF Championship game to Oregon on Sunday afternoon at Cagan Stadium. Stanford made a run in the second half, but could not overcome the Ducks, losing 13-10.
The loss ends the Stanford's seven-year run of MPSF Conference Titles. Oregon will now advance to the NCAA Play-in game against the winner of the Patriot League.
Oregon looked dominant in the first half, taking an 8-3 lead to the break. Carolyn Bradley led the Cardinal in the first half with a pair of goals, while Anna Kim also scored.
In the second half, Stanford came out with a renewed energy, immediately fighting its way back into the game. Emily Newstrom scored the first goal of the half, followed by a pair from Emilie Boeri to pull Stanford to within two with 21:41 to play.
As with most of the half, each time Stanford got close, Oregon had an answer. The Ducks scored twice to make it 10-6, but again Stanford responded with goals from Hannah Farr and Kim.
Oregon again extended the lead, before Kim completed her hat trick to make it 11-9. Stanford would never get closer than two, however as the Ducks again responded with a goal. Newstrom scored for a second time, but it was too little too late as the Ducks finished off a 13-10 victory.
Lyndsey Munoz made six saves or the Cardinal, but Caroline Federighi of Oregon had nine and was named the tournament MVP.
Boeri, Kim and Catherine Swanson earned All-Tournament Team honors for the Cardinal who finish the season at 8-10.
The future remains bright for Stanford who loses four seniors, but overall has a very young team. The Cardinal started four freshmen and overall seven freshmen saw action in the Championship Game.