STANFORD, Calif. - No. 2 Stanford played to a 0-0 draw against San Diego State on Sunday afternoon in Cagan Stadium. It marked the Cardinal's second draw in as many Pac-12 contests this season.
Stanford moves to 4-0-3 and 0-0-2 in conference while San Diego State moves to 2-4-2 and 0-1-1 in Pac-12 play.
"We played another great game of soccer and completely dominated a very good team," said The Knowles Family Director of Men's Soccer Jeremy Gunn. "It's that strange feeling you get in soccer sometimes when it's truly mixed emotions because I'm so proud of how we played; we were excellent in so many ways."
Stanford took control early in the match on both sides of the ball, consistently creating chances on offense while stifling the Aztecs' attack in the other direction. Over the first 45 minutes of play, the Cardinal had seven shots compared to San Diego State's one.
"We moved the ball well and completely dominated against a team that would've liked to have the ball," added Gunn. "They couldn't get it because we were too much for them."
Stanford held possession for the majority of the game and prevented opportunities for the visitor's offense. Matt Frank earned the clean sheet in goal, making one save in the match while only seeing three shots from the Aztecs.
"Obviously we''re frustrated because we just couldn't find a goal," explained Gunn. "Today was a game where we had great chances, great shots, and the San Diego State players will be buying their goalkeeper dessert tonight because he made some world-class saves."
The San Diego State goalkeeper successfully kept the Cardinal at bay despite some fantastic efforts. In the first half, a diving save prevented a spectacular bicycle kick attempt from Carlo Agostinelli, and he was challenged again by great shots from Mark Fisher, Noah Adnan, Keegan Hughes, and others in the second half.
"When it's tight, people always analyze those close misses but you're not going to finish every chance," said Gunn. "But when you hit some good finishes that are absolute goals and the keeper makes a great save, you just have to congratulate that goalkeeper and say well done."
Stanford fired off 23 shots in total, 16 of which came in the second half. Eight of those 23 attempts were on target.
"We have to keep the positive momentum because I know everyone is frustrated," said Gunn. "We want to win every game, but most importantly, I want us to perform well every game. When we perform well, those outcomes will come."
Through the first seven games of the season, Stanford remains undefeated and is currently outshooting its opponents 125-50. The Cardinal has only allowed two goals and has five shutouts so far.
"We have to hold onto how dominant we've been in two Pac-12 games," added Gunn. "We have to hold onto all the great things we're doing and get a tiny fraction better in one small area. In either of these games, today and Thursday, if we'd scored an early goal then the flood gates could have opened with the way we're playing."
In Pac-12 play, Stanford has allowed only five shots defensively. The Cardinal has taken 38 shots offensively during the same span.
"That's part of soccer and those are the things we have to take, but still very pleased with how we're playing," said Gunn. "Ask any coach if you'd take being unbeaten after seven games and you have to be very excited about that."
Stanford will look to extend its unbeaten run next weekend against UCSB in Santa Barbara.