STANFORD, Calif. - Stanford (9-1-1) continued their impressive run with a commanding 4-0 victory over Syracuse (4-5-4) on Sunday afternoon in front of 1,832 fans at Cagan Stadium. The Cardinal extended their winning streak to four matches while handing Syracuse their fourth consecutive loss.
The Cardinal's offensive prowess was on display early as Andrea Kitahata tested Syracuse's defense in the 1st minute. Stanford maintained relentless pressure throughout, with Shae Harvey and Eleanor Klinger creating multiple scoring opportunities. The home side converted their dominance into goals, though the exact scoring sequence was not fully captured in the match data.
The first half saw Stanford control possession and generate numerous chances. Charlotte Kohler registered a blocked shot in the 4th minute, followed by Jasmine Aikey's attempt in the 5th minute. The Cardinal's tactical superiority was evident as they continued to press, with Allie Montoya forcing a save in the 10th minute. Syracuse struggled to gain a foothold, managing just one meaningful attempt when Emma Klein's shot went high in the 13th minute.
Stanford's dominance continued after the break, with multiple players contributing to the attack. Jasmine Aikey and Eleanor Klinger both had opportunities around the 60th minute mark. The Cardinal's depth showed as substitutes made immediate impacts, including Brooke Holden who recorded a shot in the 70th minute. The match's only card came in the 81st minute when Stanford's Freya Spiekerkoetter received a yellow for unsporting behavior.
The statistical dominance was overwhelming, as Stanford outshot Syracuse 36-5, with 10 shots on target compared to Syracuse's 5. The Cardinal also held a decisive 9-1 advantage in corner kicks. Both goalkeepers were active, with Syracuse's keeper making 6 saves while Stanford's recorded 5 stops.
Individual performances highlighted Stanford's depth, with Shae Harvey creating multiple dangerous opportunities throughout her time on the field. Eleanor Klinger and Jasmine Aikey were particularly active in the attack, each recording multiple shot attempts. For Syracuse, Emma Klein showed glimpses of creativity in midfield before being substituted.
Tactically, Stanford's high-pressing approach disrupted Syracuse's attempts to build from the back. The Cardinal's rotation of attackers, including Allie Montoya and Charlotte Kohler, kept the Orange defense under constant pressure. Syracuse attempted to counter through quick transitions but struggled to maintain possession in dangerous areas.
The result continues Stanford's impressive form, having now won three straight matches by a combined score of 12-0. For Syracuse, the loss extends their challenging run, having failed to score in their last three matches across all competitions.
Stanford's defensive organization was particularly noteworthy, as they limited Syracuse to just five total shots while maintaining their shape throughout the match. The Cardinal's ability to control the tempo and create chances from multiple areas of the field demonstrated why they're among the nation's top programs.
Looking ahead, Stanford will aim to extend their winning streak when they host Virginia Tech on October 9th at 10:00 PM. Syracuse returns home to face Clemson on October 5th at 1:00 PM, seeking to end their scoring drought and return to winning ways.