Miami Drops Tightly Contested Match to No. 6 Stanford, 1-0
PALO ALTO, Cali. – The University of Miami soccer team (3-4-2) battled for 90 minutes Thursday evening on the road against No. 6 Stanford (10-1); however, the Hurricanes fell in a tightly contested match by a final score of 1-0.
“I was disappointed to give away a goal on a set piece,” said Head Coach Ken Masuhr. “Stanford is a well put together team, but we showed moments that the group is willing to fight. Credit to Gray Willson who had a stellar performance with several key saves, as well as the rest of our four freshmen that started tonight. Our team is capable of a result on Sunday against Cal, and we will prepare over the next few days to give ourselves the best chance to bring one back.”
Miami came out with high intensity to commence the match, earning three corner kicks in the first nine minutes of the contest. Moira Flynn recorded two shots in the first 10 minutes, as the Canes put the pressure on Stanford early.
The Cardinal responded, scoring a goal in the 17th minute off a rebound, as they took a 1-0 advantage over Miami.
The Canes continued to battle back after conceding the goal; and, two minutes after, Tori Grambo placed a dangerous shot just wide of the goal.
The back and forth play between the two squads continued, and Gray Willson came up with a multitude of prolific saves over the remainder of the first half to keep Stanford from finding the back of the net for the second time, as the Canes entered halftime trailing 1-0.
Miami came out with strong intensity once again to start the second half, going back on the offensive.
Willson continued to make stellar plays in the net, as the two squads exchanged offensive opportunities throughout the second period.
Miami began to take complete control of the match down the stretch and dominated possession over the final 15 minutes.
The Canes put together multiple quality opportunities down the stretch; but, they were unable to find the back of the net.
Willson put together a sensational performance, recording a career-high nine saves for Miami.
The Canes will return to the field on Saturday to close out the West Coast road swing with a match against Cal at 4 p.m.
