STANFORD, Calif. — Charlie Kosakoff rose highest in the 87th minute and headed home the only goal as Washington stunned No. 12 Stanford 1-0 Sunday in the third round of the NCAA Tournament.
The breakthrough came when it seemed the match was destined for overtime. Zach Ramsey delivered a cross into a crowded penalty area, and Kosakoff met it with a firm header that beat goalkeeper Rowan Schnebly to the lower right corner. The goal silenced the 1,650 fans at Cagan Stadium and sent the Huskies into jubilant celebration.
Stanford controlled much of the possession and created the better chances through 86 minutes, but couldn't solve Washington goalkeeper Jadon Bowton. The Cardinal peppered the Huskies' goal throughout, with Tomo Allen, Dylan Groeneveld and Will Cleary all testing Bowton in the first half. Palmer Bank forced a diving save in the 30th minute, and Liam Doyle's effort moments later required another sharp stop.
Washington weathered the early storm and grew into the match as the second half progressed. Kosakoff nearly broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute when his free kick forced Schnebly into action. He tested the Stanford keeper again in the 60th minute, setting the stage for his late heroics.
The victory extends Washington's winning streak to four matches and ends Stanford's season following consecutive losses to ranked opponents. The Cardinal fell 1-0 to No. 7 SMU in the ACC Championship before Sunday's defeat.
Washington advances to face No. 4 Maryland in the quarterfinals Saturday at 1 p.m. ET in College Park.
Bowton's performance in goal anchored Washington's defensive effort, making crucial stops at pivotal moments to keep the match within reach. For Stanford, Schnebly made three saves but couldn't prevent the late breakthrough. Kosakoff's composure in front of goal and Ramsey's delivery showcased Washington's ability to capitalize on limited opportunities—a hallmark of their recent form.
The victory extends Washington's winning streak to three matches and represents a significant scalp for the Huskies against a ranked opponent. Stanford, despite the loss, remains a formidable program but will need to regroup quickly after consecutive defeats. For Washington, the upset demonstrates their tournament credentials and resilience under pressure, qualities that will be tested further as they advance in the NCAA Championship.