DENVER - Stanford fought to a draw in a non conference matchup on the road against Denver.
Stanford takes home its third draw of the season and moves to 4-5-3 while Denver moves to 8-2-2 and earns their first point against Stanford in the all-time series.
"A really gritty road performance today and overall we were very pleased with how the team played," said The Knowles Family Director of Men's Soccer Jeremy Gunn. "We continued to fight throughout a very tough game against a very tough opponent."
Both teams created chances throughout the first half, but it was Matt Frank who kept the game level through the first 45 minutes. The redshirt junior keeper made a key point blank save to keep the teams level heading into the half.
The momentum shifted in favor of the Cardinal at the start of the second period. On a set piece, Ousseni Bouda sent a ball into the box that was headed to the bottom corner by Keegan Hughes.
"We played well in the first half and we always knew it was going to be a tight game as Denver have a very stingy defense," said Gunn. "We definitely deserved to go ahead with a great set piece goal and in the second half I really felt we were managing the game quite well."
This marked Bouda's ninth assist and Hughes' first goal of the season.
Following the opening goal, Frank continued his stellar performance throughout the second half, making a goal line interception and quelling the Denver attack.
Stanford continued to handle possession as it sought to find an insurance goal, but Denver was able to find space on the counter attack and earn a penalty on the breakaway in the 78th minute.
Frank again did his best to keep Denver out of the goal by saving the initial penalty attempt, but the rebound fell kindly for the Pioneers as they slotted home the equalizer late in regulation.
"I thought it was very unfortunate to give away a penalty at that point in time because Denver didn't really look like they were going to break through to equalize," added Gunn. "Another harsh decision and a great save by Matt Frank and unfortunate to give away the equalizer."
The Cardinal continued to push for a winner throughout the remainder of regulation and extra time, but the game ended all square at 1-1.
"In a tough moment the team continued to battle on and came away with a very honorable tie," said Gunn. "Now we're looking forward to getting back into conference play with some really exciting matches that will decide the season's fate moving forward."
Stanford returns home to face Pac-12 opponent San Diego State on Thursday, Oct. 21 in Cagan Stadium at 8 p.m.
