May 3, 2013
NZD highlights from Stanford Men's Soccer on Vimeo.
STANFORD, Calif. - Stanford men's soccer's shutout streak has continued through three spring matches after a 6-0 win over New Zealand's Kaizen Academy in Santa Clara.
The Cardinal will look to extend the streak Saturday night in Bakersfield as it takes on CSU Bakersfield for a 7 p.m. match.
Stanford got goals from Zach Batteer, JJ Koval, Ty Thompson and Eric Verso in Tuesday night's 6-0 victory, showing confidence on the ball and in the attack throughout the match.
"We clearly had the upper hand, and wanted to show good composure not just scoring goals but keeping possession and focus," said head coach Jeremy Gunn. "I thought we kept up a good attacking edge. JJ, TY and Zach had great goals and it was really good to see Eric get on the scoresheet as well."
The Cardinal defense posted its third straight clean sheet in the victory.
Looking ahead to Saturday night's match, Gunn sees an opponent with a very similar profile to his Cardinal squad.
"[CSU Bakersfield] had a good season last fall, very similar to us being right there on the bubble for the tournament at the end, and this should be a tough match," he said. "We're going to look t keep working on the positives: staying disciplined and maintaining our cutting edge attack-wise."
For Gunn Saturday's match is special also because it marks a return to his alma mater, where he was a first-team All-American for the Roadrunners. After concluding his collegiate playing career in 1993, Gunn began his coaching career in Bakersfield, serving as an assistant coach with both the men's and women's soccer programs for seven years.
"It's awesome [to be returning to Bakersfield], for me it is very special," Gunn said of visiting his alma mater. "I spent 10 wonderful years here and owe so much to so many. I have many fond memories here in Bakersfield. It will be great to see Coach Simon [Tobin], who recruited me from England to play at Bakersfield and gave me my start coaching. I'll enjoy seeing and reminiscing with many wonderful friends and people while we're here."