STANFORD, Calif. - The Cardinal struck first, but Oregon State rallied from 1-0 down to defeat No. 5 Stanford 2-1 on Thursday evening. It marked only the second loss of the season for Stanford, and its first loss at home since October of 2021.
The Cardinal falls to 9-2-4 and 3-2-3 in conference matchups while Oregon State improves to 6-3-4 and 2-1-3 in Pac-12 matches.
"I thought we started the game well and we had a lovely attacking move to create the penalty and go 1-0 up," said The Knowles Family Director of Men's Soccer Jeremy Gunn. "And then I felt we went into our shell and didn't play."
Keegan Tingey earned the penalty for the Cardinal in the 12th minute and Cam Cilley fired in the goal to put the home team up early in the match. It marked Cilley's fourth goal of the season, and his third penalty goal as he remains perfect from the spot on the year.
"I don't think we displayed the abilities we've displayed all year," added Gunn. "I think this team has been magnificent game in and game out, performing and competing."
Throughout the match, the game remained tight. Statistically, the Pac-12 opponents were evenly matched, as each team tallied seven shots and two on goal.
Stanford carried its one goal advantage into the halftime break, but Oregon State equalized ten minutes after the match restarted, also from the penalty spot.
"Today, we were just waiting for the game, and as a result, we could've gone in for the kill, but instead we were passive and dictated to," added Gunn. "In the end, I think Oregon State got what they deserved tonight."
Stanford and Oregon State continued to battle for the match-winning goal throughout the rest of the second half, and it was the visiting Beavers who found the decisive goal in the 83rd minute.
"Very disappointed with the overall performance," said Gunn. "We had moments and opportunities, but regardless of the result, even if we'd got a win tonight, I truly think we can be better. We have to look forward to Sunday now."
The Cardinal returns to action on Sunday, October 30 at 4 p.m. to face No. 1 Washington. Sunday's match will also be senior day, as Stanford recognizes its four seniors, Keegan Hughes, Cam Cilley, Keegan Tingey, and Matt Frank.