University of Washington
Stanford
Dawgs Win Seventh Straight, Down Stanford, 3-1
October 06, 2014 | Men's Soccer
Final Stats
SEATTLE – No. 5 Washington completed the weekend sweep over ranked Bay Area schools, defeating No. 18 Stanford, 3-1, on Sunday night at Husky Soccer Field. The Dawgs got goals from three different players to improve to 9-1-0 on the season and take over sole possession of first place in the Pac-12 with six points.
The Dawgs were the aggressor early on as Mason Robertson continuously got free in the box. The sophomore forward had a header on target saved and then moments later nearly scored on a bicycle kick, but it went high.
The first goal of the match came in the 35th minute as the Huskies executed a corner kick to perfection. James Moberg hit a diagonal pass on the ground to Justin Schmidt who ran from outside the box to hit it first time from 15 yards out at the left angle. Schmidt's blast went untouched into the corner of the goal for his second of the year, while Moberg picked up his fifth assist.
The Dawgs added to the lead just two minutes later when Robertson finally got one through the Stanford defense. This time, Moberg sent in the cross off a free kick and Robertson rose above his defender to hammer a header from inside the six-yard box. The goal was the sixth of the year for Robertson, while Moberg picked up his sixth assist.
It was the second goal of the night on a set piece for Washington, something the Dawgs have been working on.
“We talked about how a lot of these tight games will be decided by set pieces and Stanford is a set piece team, so it was great to execute those well tonight,” said Clark.
Washington appeared as it would take a two-goal lead to the half, but an inadvertent handball inside the box led to a Stanford penalty kick. Cardinal defender Brandon Vincent blasted one on goal, leaving Spencer Richey with no chance. The goal cut into the Husky edge as the Dawgs took a 2-1 lead to the break.
Washington had a 13-6 edge in shots for the half, including putting five on goal. Robertson in particular was difficult to mark in the box, taking seven shots and putting four on goal in the period.
After the break, Stanford picked up the intensity as it searched for the equalizer, but the Dawgs would instead go ahead two goals in the 61st minute. Andy Thoma carried his dribble into the box, but had it knocked away by a Stanford defender. The Cardinal could not control the ball, however, as it bounced to Darwin Jones who fired on goal. His shot went over the outstretched arms of the Stanford goalkeeper for his eighth goal of the season.
The goal also gave Jones the edge against Stanford striker Jordan Morris in a matchup of two of the best forwards in the country.
“It was great for Darwin to just continue his great performance this season,” said Clark. “He's been very consistent for us. It was a fun night with Darwin and Jordan because they showed why people love to watch them. They are impossible to handle with one defender, so you have to double down and if you don't then you are in trouble.”
Ahead two goals, the Dawgs began sit back more as time winded down. Although Washington was less aggressive in the attack, they were able to kill the game and not concede any more goals and hang on for the win.
Richey earned his sixth win of the season, making six saves and only allowing the PK.
"Spencer was great back there today," said Clark. "He was commanding and showed the great leader he is."
The win was the 10th-straight for Washington over Stanford and also improved Clark's record to 8-0-0 against his alma mater.
Washington will now head out on the road in the Pac-12 this week with just one game at Oregon State. The Dawgs take on the Beavers on Sunday, Oct. 12, at 3:00 p.m.
