STANFORD, Calif. - In its first conference match of the season, No. 2 Stanford fought to a scoreless draw with No. 25 UCLA in Cagan Stadium. The Cardinal stays undefeated on the year, moving to 4-0-2 while the Bruins move the 3-2-1.
"Another really exciting soccer game," said The Knowles Family Director of Men's Soccer Jeremy Gunn. "It was two excellent teams and it was hard to create open chances today."
In its first top-25 matchup of the season, Stanford held much of the advantage throughout the contest. Despite the scoreless finish to the game, the Cardinal played with conviction on both sides of the ball.
"You could be arguing a tie is a fair result, but I felt in a game that was really tight, we really got on top in the second half and were pushing for the winning goal," added Gunn. "We just couldn't quite find that moment of quality tonight to separate the two teams."
The teams were evenly matched heading into the break with Stanford holding a slight advantage in shots (4-2) and corners (3-2). It was in the second half where Stanford took control, commanding possession and piling on the pressure.
Stanford outshot the Bruins 11-0 in the second half and added nine more corners as it looked for a winning goal.
"We definitely looked more likely," explained Gunn. "We definitely got into much more attacking positions and we just had a really good 15-20 minute spell where it looked like it was coming but we just couldn't find a way."
Arguably Stanford's best chance came in the final moments of the match when Fletcher Bank fired a shot on goal that was saved by UCLA's goalkeeper. Carlo Agostineilli found the rebound off the save, but his attempt was just barely off target, going over the crossbar.
"Definitely pleased with the performance, excited about another great game," said Gunn. "Maybe a little bit frustrated on us not quite finding that winning goal."
Keegan Hughes led all players with four shots, just ahead of Carlo Agostinelli's three. Matt Frank earned his fourth clean sheet in six games and has only allowed two goals this season.
The Cardinal return to action with another Pac-12 matchup against the San Diego State Aztecs on Sunday afternoon in Cagan Stadium at 2 p.m.