[Papa John]

#1 Stanford takes down #2 U San Diego 1-0. The winning goal was scored with only 1:30 remaining in regulation when little-used freshman Calder Zirn blocked two USD attempts at clearing the ball in front of the USD goal. The second clearance attempt was by the USD goalkeeper, who had the ball passed back to him by his own teammate. Zirn deflected the keeper's clearing kick into the back of the net. There was a long review--for what I cannot tell you--that confirmed the goal.

Until the ACC Network posts the game highlights, here is the only video that I can find of the winning goal:

https://x.com/StanfordMSoccer/status/209...5065444831

If you're wondering why the USD goalkeeper didn't pick up the ball, my former AYSO-assistant-referee self reminded me that when a teammate deliberately kicks the ball to his own goalkeeper, the GK cannot use his hands. If he does, it results in an indirect free kick for the attacking team. There are others on this board who know far more about soccer than I do, but I think this was the last defender's fault--he should have attempted to clear the ball to the touch line rather than put his GK in such a difficult position.

Still, great hustle by Zirn to force the mistake, and a great resume-building win for Stanford!

[Papa John]

#1 Stanford takes down #2 U San Diego 1-0. The winning goal was scored with only 1:30 remaining in regulation when little-used freshman Calder Zirn blocked two USD attempts at clearing the ball in front of the USD goal. The second clearance attempt was by the USD goalkeeper, who had the ball passed back to him by his own teammate. Zirn deflected the keeper's clearing kick into the back of the net. There was a long review--for what I cannot tell you--that confirmed the goal.

Until the ACC Network posts the game highlights, here is the only video that I can find of the winning goal:

https://x.com/StanfordMSoccer/status/209...5065444831

If you're wondering why the USD goalkeeper didn't pick up the ball, my former AYSO-assistant-referee self reminded me that when a teammate deliberately kicks the ball to his own goalkeeper, the GK cannot use his hands. If he does, it results in an indirect free kick for the attacking team. There are others on this board who know far more about soccer than I do, but I think this was the last defender's fault--he should have attempted to clear the ball to the touch line rather than put his GK in such a difficult position.

Still, great hustle by Zirn to force the mistake, and a great resume-building win for Stanford!