STANFORD, Calif. - Stanford (11-1-1) continued their winning streak with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Virginia (10-1-2) on Sunday afternoon at Cagan Stadium. The match, played before a capacity crowd, saw the Cardinal extend their winning run to five games while handing Virginia their first loss in three matches.
Shae Harvey opened the scoring for Stanford in the 6th minute with a shot that sailed high and left. Charlotte Kohler doubled the Cardinal's advantage in the 36th minute, converting an assist from Lizzie Boamah. Virginia pulled one back through Jill Flammia in the 71st minute, but couldn't find an equalizer despite late pressure.
The first half showcased Stanford's attacking prowess, with Harvey particularly active in the opening period. The Cardinal forward registered three shots in the first 45 minutes, including her early goal. Virginia's Lia Godfrey responded with two dangerous attempts in the 27th minute, both forcing saves from the Stanford goalkeeper. The half was marked by physical play, with Maggie Cagle receiving a yellow card for Virginia in the 22nd minute.
The second half saw increased intensity from both sides. Virginia pressed higher up the pitch, generating several quality chances. Tatum Galvin and Addison Halpern both recorded shots for the Cavaliers, while Stanford's defense, led by Eleanor Klinger, held firm despite mounting pressure. The match's tempo shifted after Flammia's goal, with Virginia pushing numbers forward in search of an equalizer.
Statistically, the match was evenly contested. Virginia recorded 13 shot attempts to Stanford's 12, though the Cardinal managed more shots on target (6-4). The Cavaliers earned eight corner kicks to Stanford's six, highlighting their improved second-half pressure. Both teams received two yellow cards, with Eleanor Klinger and Shae Harvey cautioned for Stanford, while Maggie Cagle and another Virginia player were booked.
Individual performances shaped the outcome significantly. Shae Harvey's early attacking presence set the tone for Stanford, while Charlotte Kohler's clinical finish proved decisive. For Virginia, Lia Godfrey showed exceptional creativity in midfield, recording multiple shots and creating several chances. Defensively, Laney Rouse stood out for Virginia with crucial interventions, particularly in the second half.
Tactically, Stanford's high press disrupted Virginia's build-up play early, forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. The Cardinal's width through Lily Freer and Sophie Murdock stretched Virginia's defense, creating spaces for Harvey and Kohler to exploit. Virginia's second-half adjustments, including a more direct approach and increased midfielder involvement, nearly paid dividends but couldn't quite bridge the gap.
The result maintains Stanford's impressive home form and solidifies their position among the nation's elite programs. For Virginia, despite the loss, their competitive showing against a top-ranked opponent away from home demonstrates their quality. The Cavaliers' ability to adjust and create chances in the second half shows resilience that will serve them well in upcoming matches.
Looking ahead, Stanford faces a crucial road test at Florida State on October 16th, while Virginia travels to Louisville on October 18th. Both teams will look to build on the intensity and quality displayed in this high-level encounter.