STANFORD, Calif. – No. 1 Stanford improved to 6-0-0 in Pac-12 play and extended its program-record unbeaten streak to 36 games with a 2-0 win over Utah on Thursday night at Laird Q. Cagan Stadium.
"Tonight was an all-around team effort. A lot of players got opportunities and stepped up when we needed them," said the Knowles Family Director of Women's Soccer Paul Ratcliffe. "It definitely felt good to be back at home in front of our home fans, the atmosphere was fantastic and we're pleased to have the amount of depth we have."
Sophia Smith and Beattie Goad netted for the Cardinal (13-0-1, 6-0-0 Pac-12) with the former tying Catarina Macario for the team lead with seven goals. Naomi Girma, Jordan DiBiasi and Sam Hiatt each tallied assists, and Alison Jahansouz earned the shutout – Stanford has not allowed a goal since the Pac-12 opener against UCLA on Sept. 27 while Stanford's back line did not allow a shot on net by the Utes (7-7-1, 4-3-0).
Smith opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a powerful run from midfield. She picked the ball up from Girma 45 yards from goal, turning and beating two defenders before placing a left-footed shot inside the far post past the reach of Carly Nelson.
Stanford had a golden opportunity to double the lead just after halftime, with Smith winning a penalty kick. Nelson, however, parried away Jordan DiBiasi's penalty kick to keep the game 1-0.
Goad doubled the lead in the 65th minute after DiBiasi played her through on goal. DiBiasi combined with Hiatt, faked the shot and slipped it to a wide open Goad, whose right-footed finish beat Nelson at the far post.
WATCH | @beattiegoad's 2nd goal of the season doubles the lead, and it was @DiBiasiJordan who played her through on goal with some fancy footwork. Catch the finish on @Pac12Network.
— Stanford Women's Soccer (@StanfordWSoccer) October 19, 2018
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Utah registered its only two shots in the final 10 minutes of the contest while Stanford had several opportunities for a third. Jojo Harber and DiBiasi combined in the 75th minute for a promising move, but Nelson made a fine save to deny DiBiasi. In the 84th minute, Abby Gruebel nearly tested Nelson from 30 yards but her effort sailed just over the crossbar.
No. 1 Stanford plays its final regular-season home match on Sunday at Noon on Pac-12 Networks with live statistics available at GoStanford.com. Prior to kickoff, the Cardinal will honor its five graduating seniors – Averie Collins, Alana Cook, Jordan DiBiasi, Michelle Xiao and Tegan McGrady.