SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – First-half goals from senior Abby Greubel and junior Maya Doms provided all the offense No. 24 Stanford (1-0) would need in a 2-0 shutout over Cal Poly (0-1) to open the 2021 season on Thursday night.
With the win, Stanford has now won 11 consecutive season openers and improves to 14-0-1 in openers since 2007. The Cardinal is also 32-4-2 all time in season openers, including 16-2-1 under the Knowles Family Director of Women's Soccer Paul Ratcliffe.
"The team had a solid performance tonight," Ratcliffe said following the match. "We did an excellent job of controlling the game and created some good scoring opportunities. Overall, it was a great start to the season."
Taking advantage of a set piece opportunity, Greubel handed Stanford its first goal of the season after burying a free kick to open the scoring in the 16th minute. The goal was the eighth of Greubel's career.
The Cardinal, which managed eight shots in the first half, extended the lead to 2-0 in the 33rd minute as Doms got into the box and drew a foul to earn a penalty kick. The native of Davis, Calif. stepped to the spot and promptly found the back of the net for her first goal of the season and seventh of her career.
Redshirt junior Katie Meyer faced three first-half shots, but was not forced into a save until the second half. Meyer, who recorded her 16th career shutout, ultimately saw seven shots from Cal Poly while making the one save.
The 16 career shutouts rank tied for ninth in Stanford history, equaling Erica Holland's 16 from 2004-07.
Stanford finished the contest with 16 total shots, including nine on goal, to force Cal Poly goalkeeper Ava Dorvillier into seven saves.
The Cardinal will return to action on Thursday when it hosts CSUN at 7 p.m. for the home opener from Cagan Stadium.