STANFORD, Calif. - Andi Sullivan headed in her team-leading fifth goal of the season to lift No. 6 Stanford to a 1-0 victory against Oregon on Sunday evening.
The Cardinal (11-2, 5-0 Pac-12) dominated the run of play, holding advantages over the Ducks (4-9, 1-4 Pac-12) in shots (22-3) and corner kicks (6-0) but needed just over 74 minutes to find the back of the net.
Tegan McGrady initiated the lone goal of the game, carrying the ball down the left sideline before whipping in a left-footed cross to Sullivan who was making a run in from the back post. Sullivan out-jumped her defender and placed her header perfectly in the left side netting of the goal.
It was the sixth time Stanford broke the 20 shot mark and ninth time it held its opponent to five or fewer shots. Stanford has not allowed its opponent a corner kick in 7-of-13 games this season.
Despite the dominating effort, there were tense moments throughout the game as the Cardinal had trouble finding the back of the net to pull away from the Ducks.
"It's something that would've frustrated us at the beginning of the season," said Sullivan. "We've turned it into fuel for the fire. Just being patient and always keeping a positive mindset, saying 'the next one, the next one's in.' We just have to keep it positive and then it's going to go in. As long as we're creating the chances, everyone is pretty positive."
Sullivan leads Stanford in goals (5) and game-winning goals (3). (Photo by Karen Hickey)
Stanford set the tone early and nearly got on the board in the ninth minute when Sullivan weaved through four defenders inside the 18-yard box and slipped a pass to Kyra Carusa who fired just over the crossbar.
Carusa had a second opportunity less than 12 minutes later when she got in behind the defense and hit a hard right-footed shot from eight yards out that Oregon's goalkeeper Halla Hinriksdottir was able to stop with an outstretched foot.
Oregon increased its offensive pressure 25 minutes into the game with a high press on the Stanford defense. However, the Cardinal backline did well to maintain possession and limit Oregon opportunities near the goal.
"They were well-organized in the back and kept possession of the ball well," said Stanford head coach Paul Ratcliffe. "Any breakthroughs the opponent had, Maddie and Alana did a good job of closing down, and so did Laura, Tegan and Steph. Overall, I was pleased with the back-four. Jane did a nice job too as a leader back there."
Seven of Stanford's 11 wins have been by one goal. (Photo by Karen Hickey)
Ryan Walker-Hartshorn had two scoring opportunities in less than a minute in the 34th but her first shot went over the top-left corner and her second was saved by Hinriksdottir.
Stanford came out firing in the second half, producing four shots in the first 15 minutes.
The Cardinal registered another near miss in the 70th minute when Sullivan battled through a pair of defenders and fed Walker-Hartshorn who hit the outside of the side netting.
Sullivan broke through four minutes later with a perfectly placed header on a cross from McGrady.
The Cardinal continued to pressure the remainder of the half but could not find the final touch needed to extend its lead.
Stanford needed to play through the final whistle for the win, as Oregon earned a free kick in Stanford's half with 10 seconds remaining and sent a dangerous ball into the box. The Ducks put a head on the ball but hit it without much pace and it rolled wide of the net as the clock hit 90:00.
"Credit to Oregon," said Ratcliffe. "They were a resilient team and were well-organized and well-coached, and made it difficult for us to break through."
Stanford completes its three-game homestand Friday at 5 p.m. against Colorado. The game will be televised on the Pac-12 Networks.
Cardinal Notes
- Stanford improved to 18-0-1 against Oregon.
- The Cardinal has not allowed a corner kick in 7-of-13 games this season.
- Stanford has limited opponents to five or fewer shots in nine games.
- It was the sixth time Stanford broke the 20 shot mark and ninth time it held its opponent to five or fewer shots.
- Underclassmen have accounted for 17 of Stanford's 24 goals this season. Sophomores lead the team with nine goals, followed by the freshmen (8) juniors (4) and seniors (3).