No. 4 Stanford women’s soccer (13-2, 7-0) stole a game against the Washington State Cougars (11-4, 4-3) in an overtime thriller decided by a 109th-minute headed goal by freshman forward Averie Collins off a corner from fifth-year senior Haley Rosen.

The Cardinal had been tested all game by a Washington State team that seemed ready to counter and puncture the choking pressure that Stanford normally employs. Throughout the night, the Cougars seemed to hold onto possession more than the Cardinal were comfortable with, and the Cardinal back line and goalkeeper had to deal with more threats than normal in a game.

However, Thursday night was still a game for the Cardinal to remember. After earning a corner after continued pressure in the combined overtimes, the 5’10” Collins strongly headed a goal directly over Washington State goalkeeper Ella Dederick for her second goal of the season.

While the Cougar offense and push for possession stretched the Stanford defense more than normal, Stanford remained stout and solid throughout the game, doubling both the corners and shots earned by the Cougar offense. The Stanford offense found the most success on the flanks with pacy wingers freshman Tegan McGrady and sophomore Mariah Lee, who continually crossed the ball into the box, though the Cardinal forwards were unable to convert.

Although much of the game was back and forth, the overtime period became an onslaught of Stanford pressure and opportunities. Throughout overtime, the Cardinal remained on the attack and prepared to end the game at any time, which happened in the 109th minute.

Although the player of the game went to the winning goalscorer, the main key to Stanford’s victory came from fifth-year senior Haley Rosen, who finished the game with both a goal and an assist. Her goal, a driving run off a turnover that shredded the Cougar defense, symbolized the threatening attack that Stanford initiated. Her assist was almost equally impressive, a corner kick that lofted past the entirety of the Cougar defense to find Collins.

By far, the most impressive player for the Cougar team was freshman defender Grace Hancock, who remained a threat with her grit and toughness throughout the whole game. Many times Hancock found herself in the box and in position to make the Stanford team pay, but could not convert.

Overall, the Stanford team has looked so dominant through its season that this game just looked too close for comfort. Even though the statistics show another dominant Stanford win, the Cougars’ strong counter always kept them within striking distance. However, Stanford maintained its composure and was able to hold on to its undefeated conference record.

The Stanford team will next face Washington as it seeks to add to its unbeaten record in the Pac-12. Washington (10-3-2, 3-2-1) looks like an easier match than the Cougars, and the Cardinal will hope to utilize their depth after a tiring game. This weekend will be the last road trip of the season for the Cardinal, and on Monday, the Cardinal will hope to be in position to enter the postseason confidently and on a roll.

The game will be played in Seattle at 5 p.m.

 

Contact Lorenzo Rosas at enzor9 ‘at’ stanford.edu.