DURHAM, N.H. – A goal by Clemence Couteau and a balanced team effort was enough to lift No. 12 Stanford to a 1-0 victory Thursday against Maine at Memorial Field.
The Cardinal (3-0, 0-0 NorPac) controlled play in all areas of the game, holding advantages over the Black Bears (1-2, 0-0 America East) in shots (12-4) and penalty corners (7-2). Couteau was the only player to find the back of the cage, delivering a hard shot from 10-yards out at 30:09 to give Stanford a 1-0 edge. It was Couteau’s first goal on the year and fourth game-winner of her collegiate career.
Dulcie Davies recorded her second shutout on the season with a four-save effort in goal. Davies came up big when it mattered most, making three stops in the final 15 minutes to preserve Stanford’s 1-0 lead.
The Cardinal continued its stingy defense, limiting Maine to just one shot in the first half and three in the second. Stanford did not permit a penalty corner until 54:42.
Alex McCawley led Stanford with four shots, while Kelsey Harbin and Jessica Chisholm registered two apiece.
Stanford resumes play Friday at 4 p.m. (PT) against Boston University. The Cardinal concludes the East Coast trip Sunday at 9 a.m. against New Hampshire.
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Notes: Stanford has limited opponents to one goal in its three matches this season … Clemence Couteau scoring game-winners is nothing new – she led the Cardinal with three in 2013 … Alex McCawley led Stanford in shots for the second straight game – she leads the team with 12 on the year … It is the first time Stanford has been held to one goal or fewer since a 1-0 overtime victory at California (Oct. 31, 2013) … Stanford was 5-3 in games decided by one goal in 2013 … Stanford holds advantages over opponents in shots (44-17), penalty corners (20-10) and goals (9-1) this season.