SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Sophia Smith's goal in the 79th minute propelled No. 2 Stanford to a 1-0 win at UC Santa Barbara on Sunday at Harder Stadium.
"It was a good weekend for us to learn and grow," said the Knowles Family Director of Women's Soccer Paul Ratcliffe. "I think we're playing some good soccer but we need to finish more chances when we get them. Ultimately, though, we got the job done today thanks to a fantastic goal when we needed it."
Stanford dominated possession throughout the contest, finishing with a 23-1 advantage in shots without allowing an attempt on Katie Meyer's net. The goal, Smith's second of the season, was set up by a pinpoint cross from Catarina Macario with Maya Doms picking up the second assist – it broke a 164:18-minute stretch without scoring for the Cardinal (6-1-0).
@sophsssmith sends us home with a W! ???? #GoStanford
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Stanford had several chances in the opening period but couldn't find the back of the net in a 0-0 first half. Madison Haley won a penalty kick in the ninth minute, but her ensuing spot kick was saved. In the 17th minute, Macario's free kick from 20 yards drifted wide of the post and, moments later, Malatskey's attempt from inside the box sailed high following a beautiful chipped ball through off the boot of Haley.
Stanford had a double chance in the 34th minute when Smith forced a fantastic save from close range and Macario's follow-up attempt went over the bar. In the 36th minute, Doms played Smith through on goal with a perfectly-weighted ball but Smith's shot found the side netting.
Four minutes after halftime, Naomi Girma nodded Macario's free kick off the post and, moments later, Macario forced an outstanding save with a goal-bound, curled shot from outside the box. Sierra Enge tapped a loose ball into the back of the net in the 67th minute but the offside flag went up to keep the score at 0-0.
Smith got the breakthrough in the 79th minute, redirecting Macario's cross inside the far post. Doms started the move, releasing Macario into acres of space on the right wing and Macario, the reigning MAC Hermann Trophy winner, picked out the diagonal run of Smith into the Gauchos' (1-2-3) box.
Stanford had scoring opportunities in the closing stages through Doms, Smith and Enge, ultimately keeping UC Santa Barbara in its own half to see out the 1-0 win.
No. 2 Stanford wraps up nonconference action on Sunday when it makes the short trip south to Santa Clara, California, to face off with Santa Clara. Live streaming and live statistics for the game, which kicks off at 7 p.m., will be available at GoStanford.com.
Cardinal Notes
- Stanford improves to 7-6-1, all-time, against the Gauchos.
- Macario's assist was her fifth of the season, tying Haley for the team lead.
- The Cardinal has conceded just one goal in its last 364:33 minutes of play.
- Stanford allowed just one shot on target during its two games this week.