STANFORD, Calif. – The No. 4 Stanford women’s soccer team tied a school record with its fifth shutout to open the season, but suffered the first blemish to its record with a 0-0 draw against No. 25 Notre Dame on Sunday at Laird Q. Cagan Stadium.
Stanford (4-0-1) had several strong opportunities to win, mostly later in the double-overtime nonconference contest, but was unable to convert against the Fighting Irish (3-2-1). Stanford outshot Notre Dame, 15-8, including 4-1 in the two 10-minute overtime periods.
“The performance was good,” Stanford coach Paul Ratcliffe said. “But in the final third we need to get a little sharper.”
Sophomore goalkeeper Jane Campbell earned her fourth shutout this season and the 10th of her career. She made four saves, though the Irish never had a clear chance on goal.
“Jane has been a real good leader this year,” Ratcliffe said. “She’s much more vocal and directs the defense well.”
Stanford has not allowed a goal in 489 minutes, 35 seconds, dating back to last season. The back four of Maddie Bauer and Kendall Romine on the inside and Stephanie Amack and Laura Liedle on the outside, has been impenetrable. Plus, freshman Andi Sullivan at holding midfielder has been vital in helping stem attacks before they get too far and in retreating to help when needed.
“The whole team is contributing to the defense,” Ratcliffe said. “The back four is very strong. The hardest part is scoring goals. That’s where we need to keep growing. It was one of those days. That’s where you need to finish the job.”
In the 68th minute, Alex Doll got off a right-footed shot in the penalty area that was deflected but still headed for the goal before Notre Dame’s Katie Naughton cleared it near the back post.
Seconds later, Taylor Uhl unleashed a hard liner that went barely wide.
In the first overtime, Lo’eau LaBonta sent a long ball that found Chioma Ubogagu on the run deep in the Notre Dame end. Ubogagu cut back and sent in a low shot toward the near post that was saved by Irish goalkeeper Kaela Little.
Stanford, which last opened with five shutouts in 1989, continues its difficult schedule by playing host to No. 8 Florida on Friday at 7:30 p.m., and then Dayton on Sunday at 1. Florida will be the fifth ranked opponent Stanford will have played this season.
| Notre Dame | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -- 0 |
| Stanford | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -- 0 |
Records: Stanford 4-0-1, Notre Dame 3-2-1.