The Stanford women’s soccer team plays host to a trio of opponents this weekend for the NCAA tournament second and third rounds.
The Cardinal (17-1-1), the postseason’s top overall seed and ranked second in the country, will face a familiar opponent in the second round, taking on Santa Clara (10-6-4) Friday at 7 p.m. (PT).
Stanford has played the Broncos more times than any other team in program history. This will be the 43rd meeting between the two programs.
A matchup between Pepperdine and NC State at 4:30 p.m. will precede Stanford’s game. The winners of Friday’s games will play each other in the third round on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Stanford enters the weekend on an eight-game winning streak and is coming off a convincing 4-0 victory against Houston Baptist in the opening round of the tournament last weekend. The Cardinal is playing in its 19th consecutive NCAA tournament and 26th overall.
Stanford is unbeaten in its past 30 home NCAA tournament matches, has advanced past the first round the past 11 seasons, and has reached six NCAA College Cups in the previous eight years. Stanford’s all-time NCAA tournament record is 49-20-6 (.693).
Four Stanford underclassmen registered a goal apiece last weekend to propel the Cardinal past Houston Baptist. The Cardinal dominated the game from the start, finishing the game with a 29-0 advantage in shots.
Andi Sullivan, a MAC Hermann Trophy candidate, returns to the lineup this week after spending last week training with the senior U.S. National Team and playing in a pair of games against Romania. She leads the Cardinal with single-season career highs in points (29) and goals (11), and has produced a career-best seven assists.
Kyra Carusa continues to be a key generator of Stanford’s offense and has contributed at least one point in each of the past five matches. She has contributed at least one point in 14-of-20 games this season.
Stanford’s defense, anchored by centerbacks Maddie Bauer and Alana Cook, was not tested often but played well when needed. Tegan McGrady has been excellent at left fullback and is a key contributor to Stanford’s offense. Carly Malatskey has logged quality minutes at right back.
The Cardinal has scored two or more goals in 18-of-20 games this season, while limiting opponents to one goal or fewer in all but four matches. Stanford has not trailed in 17-of-20 games.
By Stanford Athletics
By Stanford Athletics
By Stanford Athletics