08-31-2026, 07:28 AM
Another by-the-skin-of-its-teeth win for the Card last night v. UC Davis. As noted in another thread, 25 seconds in UC Davis scored on a shot from outside the box, and they almost scored again moments later. The rest of the first half brought to mind Mike Tyson's line about everyone having a plan until they get punched in the nose.
But the second half was vastly better. Joshua Partal returned from injury (sooner than expected, per what the announcer said in the first half) and he settled things down. Apart from taking free kicks and corners, which he does very well, I often wondered why he, rather than other players who seemed similar, played extended minutes. But his value was apparent to me against UC Davis, as to my eyes he made a brobdingnagian difference in helping to control the field. Also very impactful was Jack Pymm, who was in the middle of everything offensive and who hit a wicked shot that struck the crossbar at pace. He scored on a PK, the second in two games.
In accordance with my preference that Stanford live or die by the sword of possession, during last night's game they tended to build from the back during the second half and they dominated for all but brief periods.
Giving credit where it is due, last night's announcer flew solo, and I thought he did a very good job. At the outset he addressed Partal's injury, stating that he was expected back at the next game. The announcer commented on events in the game, with which the viewer could agree or disagree, but in either case it fostered engagement. He identified substitutions, and he pointed out how, in the second half, Gunn put two offensive-minded midfielders in the outside back positions (Jude Stone and Tim Fortier), which, along with bringing in Partal, juiced the attack, big time.
Next up: San Jose State Friday. Last year 2-2 in a game that San Jose State had the better chances, per my recollection.
But the second half was vastly better. Joshua Partal returned from injury (sooner than expected, per what the announcer said in the first half) and he settled things down. Apart from taking free kicks and corners, which he does very well, I often wondered why he, rather than other players who seemed similar, played extended minutes. But his value was apparent to me against UC Davis, as to my eyes he made a brobdingnagian difference in helping to control the field. Also very impactful was Jack Pymm, who was in the middle of everything offensive and who hit a wicked shot that struck the crossbar at pace. He scored on a PK, the second in two games.
In accordance with my preference that Stanford live or die by the sword of possession, during last night's game they tended to build from the back during the second half and they dominated for all but brief periods.
Giving credit where it is due, last night's announcer flew solo, and I thought he did a very good job. At the outset he addressed Partal's injury, stating that he was expected back at the next game. The announcer commented on events in the game, with which the viewer could agree or disagree, but in either case it fostered engagement. He identified substitutions, and he pointed out how, in the second half, Gunn put two offensive-minded midfielders in the outside back positions (Jude Stone and Tim Fortier), which, along with bringing in Partal, juiced the attack, big time.
Next up: San Jose State Friday. Last year 2-2 in a game that San Jose State had the better chances, per my recollection.