SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – Ryan Walker-Hartshorn scored her first goal of the season in the 84th minute to help No. 2 Stanford complete a dominating 1-0 victory at Cal Poly on Friday night.
The Cardinal (3-0) controlled the game from start to finish, holding advantages in shots (18-3) and corner kicks (12-0) but could not break through until Walker-Hartshorn's left-footed finish with six minutes to play in regulation.
Stanford had shots hit the crossbar, sail just wide of the post or stopped by Cal Poly (1-2-2) goalkeeper Alyssa Giannetti who had a strong game in goal for the Mustangs and made eight quality saves.
Haley Rosen initiated the scoring play with a nice pass to Walker-Hartshorn from the right side of the field just outside the penalty box. With her back to the goal, Walker-Hartshorn received the pass, turned over her right shoulder toward the goal and away from her defender, and fired a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner of the goal.
It is Walker-Hartshorn's first goal of the year and the third game-winning goal of her career.
Rosen had a terrific game in the midfield, constantly generating scoring opportunities and being a dangerous presence around the goal. Her hard work was rewarded with her second assist of the year on Walker-Hartshorn's game-winner.
Stanford's backline was solid and did well to limit Cal Poly's attack near midfield. The Mustangs managed a couple opportunities inside Stanford's final third but the Cardinal defense prevented any shots on frame.
It is Stanford's second consecutive shutout and the Cardinal has not allowed a goal in the past 269:29 minutes. Goalkeeper Jane Campbell earned her first clean-sheet of the year and the 19th of her career – tying her for No. 6 on Stanford's all-time list with Carly Smolak (1997-2000).
The Cardinal controlled a heavy majority of possession throughout the game and peppered Cal Poly with shots regularly. Stephanie Amack led the team with four shots, followed by Andi Sullivan and Michelle Xiao with three, and five other players with at least one shot.
Stanford returns home for a Monday night matchup against No. 9 BYU at 7 p.m. at Laird Q. Cagan Stadium.
Cardinal Notes
- Stanford improves to 9-0 against Cal Poly all-time.
- Stanford has outshot opponents 66-10 and holds a 27-0 corner kick advantage this season.
- The Cardinal has limited opponents to three shots in the second half this season.
- Stanford goalkeeper Jane Campbell earned the 19th shutout of her career, tying her for No. 6 on the Cardinal's all-time list with Carly Smolak (1997-2000).
- After allowing a goal 31 seconds into the season at Hawai'i, Stanford has not allowed a goal – a span of 269:29 minutes.