Michael Asare needed just 117 seconds to write the story of Stanford's dominance, propelling the Cardinal to a 4-2 victory over Boston College before 639 spectators at Stanford Stadium on November 5, 2025. Asare's quick strike, assisted by Marci Killeen's incisive pass, with Ask Ekeland's clever movement creating space, set the tone for what became a relentless offensive display. The win extends Stanford's unbeaten streak to three games, improving their record to 13-2-2 overall and 5-2-1 in conference play.
The early breakthrough triggered a tactical adjustment from Boston College, but Stanford's offense remained undeterred. Asare doubled the lead just 12 minutes later, showcasing his clinical finishing ability. The Cardinal continued to control the tempo, with Will Cleary adding a third before halftime, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. Jack Pymm made it 4-0 on the stroke of halftime, burying a well-weighted pass from deep in Stanford's own half.
Boston College showed resilience, pulling two goals back through Tomo Allen and another scorer, but Stanford's defensive organization held firm. The Eagles managed seven shots on goal but were ultimately overwhelmed by Stanford's 28 total attempts. Boston College's struggles were epitomized by their inability to capitalize on their limited chances, while Stanford's ruthless efficiency in front of goal proved decisive.
In the second half, Cleary scored his second goal in the 53rd minute, assisted by Fletcher Bank's pinpoint cross. Bank later provided the assist for Boston College's Tomo Allen's consolation goal in the 88th minute. Despite being outshot by Stanford 12-7 on target, Boston College's defensive frailties were exposed throughout the match, particularly on set pieces where Stanford's aerial threat proved troublesome.
The statistical ledger reveals a comprehensive Stanford performance: they outshot Boston College 28-14 overall and held a commanding 12-2 advantage in corner kicks. Stanford's 12 shots on target, compared to Boston College's 7, further underscored their dominance. The Cardinal's defensive solidity was tested but ultimately prevailed, with their goalkeeper making five crucial saves to secure the win.
For Stanford, the victory represents more than just three points; it cements their position as a top contender in the conference, heading into their upcoming clash with #7 SMU. The win also builds on their strong season, where they've demonstrated an ability to perform under pressure. Boston College, on the other hand, faces a tough road ahead, having now lost their last two matches. Their struggles against top-tier teams were again exposed, highlighting the need for improvement in both defensive organization and offensive efficiency.
As Stanford looks ahead to their next challenge, they'll be buoyed by the confidence of a strong performance. The Cardinal's ability to score efficiently against a respectable Boston College side bodes well for their NCAA tournament aspirations. For Boston College, the task is clear: they must regroup and address their defensive vulnerabilities if they hope to compete effectively against the conference's elite teams.
The afternoon belonged to Stanford—and specifically to their attacking duo of Asare and Cleary, who between them scored three of the Cardinal's four goals. Their performance was a masterclass in ruthless efficiency, leaving Boston College to ponder what might have been with more clinical finishing of their own chances. As the teams part ways, the Cardinal will look to build on this momentum, while the Eagles will need to regroup and reassess their strategy.
Key Players:
Michael Asare (Stanford) – Scored twice in the opening 24 minutes, showcasing his predatory instincts and clinical finishing ability.
Will Cleary (Stanford) – Scored a brace, including a crucial third goal just before halftime, to seal the win for Stanford.
Fletcher Bank (Stanford) – Provided two assists, including a pinpoint cross for Cleary's second goal, demonstrating his quality from wide areas.
Tomo Allen (Boston College) – Scored a late consolation goal, showing his ability to capitalize on defensive lapses by the opposition.