CORAL GABLES,Fla. – A flurry of second-half goals propelled the Stanford Cardinal too a 3-2 victory over Miami on Sunday, extending their impressive run of form. Despite a dominant first half that yielded a 19-6 shot advantage and 12 corner kicks, Stanford remained scoreless until the 62nd minute.
The Cardinal finally broke the stalemate when they were awarded a penalty kick following a handball. Andrea Kitahata converted the spot kick, giving Stanford a 1-0 led. Shae Harvey doubled the advantage just one minute later, capitalizing on a rebound after her initial one-timed shot was saved, following a cross from Kitahata.
Miami responded in the 66th minute with a goal from Brie Severns, who dispossessed a Stanford defender and slotted a right-footed shot past goalkeeper Caroline Birkel. However, Stanford seemingly sealed the win in the 79th minute when Charlotte Kohler’s throw-in found Kitahata, who scored to complete her brace.
A late own goal in the 90th minute, with just seven seconds remaining, brought the final score to 3-2.
Stanford’s offensive prowess has been on display throughout the season, with the team now totaling 56 goals in its first 15 matches – the most as scoring 59 in the first 15 games of 2017. The Cardinal boasts a 59-7-9 overall record over their last 75 matches.
Shae Harvey has been particularly impactful recently, accumulating 10 points in her last five matches. Kitahata’s performance continues to be a driving force for Stanford, recording her third career brace and contributing a point in 12 of 15 matches this season, totaling 26 points (10 goals and six assists).
Stanford will return home to host SMU for Senior Night on Saturday, October 25 at 7 p.m. PT.
