IRVINE, Calif. -- Stanford earned its most impressive win of the season thus far, going on the road to defeat No. 11 UC Irvine, 2-0. Stanford dominated play, outshooting the previously undefeated Anteaters, 20-6. The Cardinal improved to 2-2-0 on the season with its first win over a ranked team.
"This was our most complete performance of the season," said head coach Jeremy Gunn. "I am very proud of the way we played tonight."
Stanford thoroughly dominated UC Irvine in the first half, not allowing the Anteaters a single shot, while the Cardinal had 11. Adam Jahn and Bobby Edwards both had great early chances, but the Irvine keeper made a pair of spectacular saves.
The Cardinal got on the board in the 27th minute when Jahn scored on a penalty kick. The penalty was set up on hand ball in the box after Dersu Abolfathi swung a dangerous free kick into the area that deflected off the hand of a UC Irvine defender. Jahn confidently stood over the PK and finished with ease.
Stanford added to its lead in the 42nd minute when Abolfathi scored his first goal of the season. This time it was Jahn setting up the goal, leaving a pass for Abolfathi who struck it one-time from 20 yards.
"It was a tremendous strike from Dersu," said Gunn.
The second half was more of the same and although Stanford did not score, it continued to control play. The Cardinal had nine more shots to total 20 for the game. UC Irvine goalkeeper Michael Breslin made just four saves, but each seemed to thwart a great opportunity from the Cardinal.
Stanford's defense remained stingy as Drew Hutchins earned his second shutout of the season. Hutchins made three saves, although the backline of Jimmy Callinan, Tyler Conklin, Hunter Gorskie and Brandon Vincent did not allow much in the way of chances.
"UC Irvine is a phenomenal soccer program," said Gunn. "However, tonight we really outplayed them. It was great to see."
Stanford will now return home for six-consecutive home games. After surviving a difficult stretch on the road, the Cardinal will face San Jose State in the home opener on Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m.