Big Clasico Ends Even
BERKELEY, Calif. - Stanford completed the reverse fixture of the Big Clasico on Thursday, drawing with California 1-1. The Cardinal finishes the regular season at 6-6-6 (2-4-4) while California closes out the season at 3-9-3 (1-6-1).
"Bitterly disappointed with the tie today," said the Knowles Family Director of Men's Soccer Jeremy Gunn. "I think we started well, looked the better team, then we gave up a goal which gave Cal a bit more confidence."
It was an even first half, with Stanford logging five shots to California's six before the halftime break. The difference was a 19th minute goal for the Golden Bears, giving them the advantage heading into halftime.
It was all Cardinal in the second half. The action started early after the break when in the 48th minute, Gabe Segal threaded a ball to Carlo Agostinelli whose cross found Ousseni Bouda's header nearly on the goal line and almost in line with the far post. While the angle was tight, Bouda's superb header found the back of the net to even up the score for Stanford.
"In the second half, I just think we battered them," added Gunn. "We did everything but score the winner."
The Cardinal continued to fight for a winner, totaling 14 shots and six corners in the second half.
"I think it will be one of those videos you won't want to watch," said Gunn. "I think Cal had a good chance in the first half for another goal, but we had so many opportunities to score a winning goal that I don't think any of us will want to watch the game because we're going to realize just how close it was and how many great openings we managed not to capitalize on."
The game progressed into overtime and double overtime where Stanford continued to apply pressure, recording 10 more shots for 29 total and nine on goal. But the Cardinal were unable to find the winner in the extra periods.
"I think a win today would have put us in a fantastic position for the playoffs but I think the tie now makes us definitely a long shot. We'll have to wait and see what happens."
Stanford will learn if the 2021 campaign will continue into the postseason when the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Selection Show airs this Monday, November 15 at 1:00 PM ET on NCAA.com.