Thanks for the video MAP. I was there, albeit on the complete opposite end of the field and I thought I saw this goal scored in an entirely different way. I had not idea it was an own goal.
Totally agree with your earlier comments about Santa Clara. Despite the constant onslaught from Stanford, Santa Clara was dangerous and had a few of their own chances early on.
The thing that stood out however was Santa Clara's back line and keeper. Every time you though Stanford had the advantage and was going to score, Santa Clara's defenders poked the ball out. On a couple rare occasions, Santa Clara defenders were beat but got back on D, chased down the Stanford player with the ball and poked it away via a perfectly timed slide tackle.
Their keeper was the player of the game though. Not only did she make 14 saves but the majority of them were spectacular and miraculous. I've never seen so many "sure" balls get stopped. She was ubiquitous.
Bummed about Pepp but to be perfectly honest, neith Pepp nor NCS played the best soccer on Friday. That's not to take anything away from NCS it's just that when Stanford & Santa Clara took the field, the quality of soccer was night and day (speed, # of passes, accuracy of passes, ball control, shot quality, etc.). Pepperdine didn't switch the field enough as outside forwards were usually wide open. Great season nonetheless.
I truly wish everybody who still has daughters with games left all the best. We will definitely be watching and will be rooting for all West Cost teams, especially UCLA.
