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Longhorns Hand Number One Cardinal First Loss of the Season

Published on November 20, 2014 by joelamiLeave a comment

By: Joe Lami

STANFORD, Calif.–

On Monday, it was the Stanford Cardinal that stormed the court, as they ended the longest winning streak in the country held by Connecticut at 47 games. On Thursday, it was the Texas Longhorns that did the storming, as they Stanford’s home winning streak at 28 games defeating them 87-81 in overtime.

Poor shooting is to blame for the loss, as Stanford had trouble all game, finishing just 36% from the field, and when it mattered most a dreadful 14% in overtime. The Cardinal’s problems also flooded into three-point territory as they finished the night 26% from beyond the arc. Taking way too many shots from beyond the arc as well, as they attempted 27. Stanford head coach, Tara VanDerveer, admitted it too “we took way too many perimeter shots”.

Texas, on the other hand, had no trouble scoring. They finished the night 49% from the field, and had four different players get into double digits. Nneka Enemkpali led the way with 18 points, Ariel Atkins added 16, including a perfect night from the charity strike. Kelsey Lang scored 14 and almost completed the double double, as she was just one rebound shy. Empress Davenport finished the night with 13 points.

“Texas was extremely motivated, they got the better of us,” said VanDerveer following the loss. The coach also added “Our team battled, but we didn’t have the pep in our step that we need. We didn’t play very well and still forced overtime”. It is also the first time in school history, where the Cardinal have played in back-to-back overtime games.

It was a back and forth affair, which saw seven different lead changes. However, Texas did dominate most of the night, as they led most of the way, with their biggest lead being ten. Stanford was down by nine with just over ten minutes to go, before they were able to turn it around and get the game close again. The Cardinal then went on a 7-0 run to make the game close once again.

The Cardinal gained the lead late in the game. However, Texas was able to tie it up with just one second remaining thanks to a drive by Davenport.

Thursday night was a major disappointment, especially after the win against the Huskies on Monday, but Lili Thompson views it as a learning experience “We definitely have things to work on. Even with beating UConn on Monday”.

Thompson led the way for the Cardinal for the third straight game, as she finished the night with 28 points. Amber Orrange was the only other Cardinal player to get into double figures, as she added 15 before fouling out in the 29 minutes that she played.

Thursday night saw a combined 51 fouls between the two squads. Three different players fouled out, two for Texas and one for Stanford. Seven other players got into foul trouble, with at least three fouls or more. Texas coach, Karen Aston, commented after the game “We’re an aggressive team, that’s our style. However, nobody wants that many fouls”.

For Texas, it is one of their biggest wins in school history, as it is the first time since February 1, 2009 where the Longhorns have defeated an AP Top 10 team. It also is the first time in the last six contest, where the Longhorns have come out on top of the Cardinal. “I’ve never experienced in four years, what I’m experiencing now,” commented Enemkpali.

The home winning streak is over at Maples at 28 games. The previous loss suffered on home court for the Cardinal was January 3^rd of last year to the #7 Cal Bears 67-55. They look to start a new streak next month against the Santa Clara Broncos, but before they can do that they have to head off on the road. The Cardinal will travel to New Mexico to take on the Lobos on Monday before they’re off to Hawaii to participate in the Rainbow Wahine Shootout in Honolulu over Thanksgiving weekend. The Hawaiian trip consist of three games in three days, with the opponents being North Carolina, Hawaii and Prairie View A&M.

Stanford Ends Connecticut’s 47-Game Winning Streak, Beats Huskies in Overtime 88-86

Published on November 17, 2014November 17, 2014 by joelami1 Comment

By: Joe Lami

STANFORD, Calif.—

The Stanford Cardinal defeated the Connecticut Huskies 88-86 in overtime on Monday night, ending the Huskies’ 47-game winning streak.

The Cardinal forced overtime due to a clutch three-pointer made by senior point guard, Amber Orrange, with just three seconds left in the game to bring the score to 77-77. “That shot that Amber made, I thought was the shot of the night,” added Stanford coach, Tara VanDerveer. Orrange finished second in scoring for the Cardinal, with 17 points. She also had five rebounds and four assists.

Connecticut jumped out ahead in overtime with a three-pointer made by Morgan Tuck, just seconds into the third period. Connecticut owned the first part of overtime, until Stanford went on a 6-0 run that lasted two minutes, allowing the Cardinal to take the game.

Stanford did a great job on defense, as UConn’s two pre-season All-Americans were held to 35 points combined. Brianna Stewart led the way with 23 points, but shot only 8-for-18 while doing so. Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis was no where to be seen in the first half, as she finished the first twenty minutes with only two points, both of which came from the foul line. She ended up finishing the night with 12 points, after putting up 30 against UC Davis on Friday, and a terrible shooting percentage of 28%. Much in thanks to Stanford Sophomore, Karlie Samuelson, who was on Mosqueda-Lewis like glue all night. “Karlie was great tonight on Kaleena,” added VanDerveer.

The Cardinal worked the ball around well all night, as nine different players got on the board. Sophomore, Lili Thompson, once again led the way, as she finished the game with 24 points. Samuelson’s older sister Bonnie added 14 points, nine of which came from beyond the arc. Freshman, Kaylee Johnson got into double digits in rebounding for the first time in her career, as she led the way with 13 boards helping the Cardinal outrebound the Huskies 41-37. “Kaylee was dominant on the boards,” VanDerveer praised.

Both teams were dreadful from the free-throw line, as each team shot below 68%. Connecticut coach, Geno Auriemma, added “both teams were awful for the night, especially when nearly 60 shots were attempted”. VanDerveer also brought up the bad free throw shooting saying “it needs to get better”.

Monday night marks the first time Connecticut has lost since March 12, 2013 during the Big East Tournament. Since then, they have won two straight National Championships, which includes an undefeated season. “Games like this tonight, just go to show how damn hard it is to go undefeated,” Auriemma commented.

With Connecticut not losing a game in over a year and a half, the locker room had some mixed emotions Stewart brought up. “It was a shock. Some of them have never lost a game before,” said the All-American.

Monday marks the second time in the last nine matches, where the Cardinal have come out on top. The last time, Stanford also ended a long winning streak held by the Huskies, as on December 30, 2012, the Cardinal ended the 90-game winning streak.

Monday’s game also extends Stanford’s home winning streak to 28 games, remaining the third longest in the country.

Stanford Ladies’ Tip-off Season with a Win

Published on November 14, 2014November 14, 2014 by joelamiLeave a comment

By: Joe Lami

STANFORD, Calif.–

The new look Stanford Cardinal defeated the Boston College Eagles on Friday night by the final score of 96-63. They had to do it with a new offense, and without star player Chiney Ogwumike, who graduated earlier this spring. However, they didn’t miss a step as they controlled most of the game from the get-go. There was a period of a few minutes late in the first half where the Eagles worried the Cardinal, but finished the half on a five-minute 17-8 run.

Stanford’s shooting was shooting the lights out all game, as they ended the first half 63% from the field, and a game total of 64.9%, good enough for their fifth best shooting percentage in school history. It was also the first time since January 17 against Arizona, where the Cardinal ended the game with a shooting percentage higher than 60%. The Cardinal also dominated points in the paint, as they destroyed the Eagles 28-6 in the first half, and for a game total of 48-12.

Boston College was insane in the first half from beyond the arc, as nine of their 15 total baskets came from three-point range, keeping them in the game. However, those shots stopped falling in the second half, as they didn’t make a single three-pointer in the second half, allowing Stanford to pull away. Boston College credits this to the halftime adjustments made by Stanford head coach, Tara VanDerveer. “They were sticking to us, forcing us to do something we weren’t comfortable with,” commented Nicole Boudreau. VanDerveer mentioned the adjustment, “We weren’t being aggressive enough, and we were way to far off. I pretty much told them if they make a three on you, you’re coming out”.

Four Cardinal players achieved double digit scoring. Sophomore, Lili Thompson led the way with 26 points, a new career high beating her previous high of 19. Erica McCall followed with 16 points. Amber Orrange scored 11, but also led the team in rebounds with nine, while adding six assists. Taylor Greenfield was the last to get into double digits, as she hit an even ten.

The new style of offense seemed to work tonight, as it opened up a lot more floor to work with. “The floor was more open, more spread out. It allowed us to attack the paint,” added Thompson. McCall shared her love of the new offense, “it doesn’t make me think as much, it allows me to just play basketball”.

The win for Stanford marks their 14^th straight win in season openers. It also extends their home winning streak to 27 games, which will be put in jeopardy on Monday, as they host number one ranked Connecticut, who went 40-0 last year, and held Stanford to 35 points last year. “We need to come out and be aggressive. We need to want to battle. Either way, it’s a win-win for going up against such a good team in our second game of the year,” added VanDerveer.

Follow Joe Lami on Twitter: @joe_lami

Stephenson’s Late Minute Tally Leads Earthquakes to Victory in Friendly

Published on October 14, 2014 by joelamiLeave a comment

By: Joe Lami

In the final week of calling Buck Shaw Stadium their home, the San Jose Earthquakes hosted C.D.S. Vida of Liga National in Honduras in a friendly on Tuesday night. Vida has a record of 3-2-6, good for seventh place in Liga National.

Vida has a connection with the Earthquakes, as Quakes’ defender, Victor Bernandez was born in the same town Vida calls home, La Cieba.

San Jose had an early chance in the first half, but was unsuccessful. Mike Fuctio found himself behind the back line of Vida in the 26^th minute. He struck one toward net with his left foot, but completely shanked the opportunity missing the net by a good ten feet.

Vida got on the board first, off of a free kick in the first half. When Eddie Hernandez flicked one into the bottom left corner of the net on a free kick in the 34^th minute.

The Quakes were able to equalize however, early in the second half, as Tommy Thompson found the back of the net in the 47^th minute. It was his first ever marker for San Jose. Shaun Francis picked up the assist, as he crossed it right in front of the goalmouth to Thompson, as Thompson went far post with the tap in.

San Jose had another great chance late in the 75^th minute when a rocket shot from the top of the box was robbed by a diving save by Vida goalkeeper Obed Enamorado.

Quakes’ goalie, Billy Knutsen, made his San Jose debut when he was subbed late in the match in the 76^th minute to take over duties from Bryan Meredith.

Kahri Stephenson gave the Earthquakes the lead on a beautiful shot in the 79^th minute from the left side of the box. The rocket with the right foot found the right corner of the net to put the Quakes on top 2-1.

Stephenson had another great opportunity just two minutes later, as he found himself all alone in the box. He tried the right footed rocket once again, but missed but over the net.

San Jose returns to MLS action on Saturday, as they close out Buck Shaw Stadium, when they host Vancouver Whitecaps.

Short Benched Earthquakes Crushed by Portland 3-0

Published on October 8, 2014 by joelamiLeave a comment

By: Joe Lami

The San Jose Earthquakes were shutout by the Portland Timbers on Wednesday evening by the final score of 3-0. The Earthquakes were only able to dress 16 men due to injuries, suspensions and players loaned to their international squad, leaving them very short-handed. Earthquakes’ striker, Adam Jahn, was called up from Sacramento Republic FC to get his first MLS start of the season in the match, as well.

The Timbers got on the board first, in the 41^st minute of play, when Rodney Wallace was able to beat Quakes’ goalie, Jon Busch, on a tight angled shot. It would be the only goal of the first half.

Diego Valeri, of the Portland Timbers, who added their two other goals, owned the Second Half. The first one, came off of penalty kick in the 51^st minute. The penalty was set up when San Jose defender, Jason Hernandez, fouled inside his own box. Valeri added his second goal of the half just 20 minutes later, when he tapped in a rebound past Busch. Busch made the initial save on a shot from Wallace, but it left Valeri wide open for the easy tally.

San Jose’s best chance came late in the game, when Jahn found the crossbar on a beautiful feed from Sam Cronin. The second year striker added, “I hit it hard and high. A few inches lower would have been nice, but that’s how it goes sometimes”.

Busch is coming close to a record he does not want to see, as his seven saves on Wednesday bring him within ten of the season-high save record that Joe Cannon set in 2000. Busch commented on the style of play he saw from Portland, “They possess the ball. They create opportunities. They’re a very dynamic team going forward offensively. We knew we would have our hands full and they’ve got some attacking weapons, and they looked good tonight”.

Of course, Quakes’ head coach, Mark Waston, was not pleased with being shutout 3-0 on Wednesday night, but brought some positive out of the game, “Our guys kept fighting until the end. It’s a tough spot to be in. They didn’t stop fighting and that’s a good quality.”

Padres Sweep Giants in Nightmare Series for San Francisco

Published on September 21, 2014 by joelamiLeave a comment

By: Joe Lami

The Giants were hoping to turn things around on Sunday afternoon after dropping two straight to the San Diego Padres on Friday and Saturday. However, their hopes of sending Ryan Vogelsong on the mound fell short, as the Giants feel to San Diego 8-2.

The game was scoreless until the fifth inning, when the Padres were able to get a run across, thanks to an Alexi Amarista sacrifice fly to center. San Diego would then explode in the sixth and seventh innings bringing home four and three runs home respectively.

The Giants only two runs came on a homerun in the top half of the seventh inning, as Chris Dominguez hit his first career Major League homerun, bringing home Brandon Crawford on the swing.

Ryan Vogelsong gets slammed with the loss, as he gave up four runs, two on them earned, on fours hits while striking out five in the five innings in which he pitched.

Ian Kennedy picks up his 12^th win of the season and ups his record to 12-13, as he pitched 6.2 innings. The Dominguez homerun, was that of only five hits he surrendered to the Giants. Kennedy also struck out five in the win.

The sweep comes at the worst time of the season, as only week remains on the season.

With the Dodgers taking care of the Cubs 8-5 on Sunday, San Francisco now sits five games back of first place in the NL West. The loss also ties San Francisco and Pittsburg for the first Wild Card position in the National League. San Francisco hopes to rebound, as they travel to Dodger Stadium tomorrow to try to regain ground on the NL West, if not the Dodgers can clinch the division against their rival.

Wondolowski’s Second Half Goal Brings a Draw for Earthquakes

Published on September 14, 2014September 14, 2014 by joelamiLeave a comment

Photo Credit: Bob Stanton/USA Today Sports

By: Joe Lami

The L.A. Galaxy paid a visit to a sold out Buck Shaw Stadium on Sunday afternoon, but were forced to come away with a draw, due to a late goal slotted home by Earthquakes’ captain Chris Wondolowski in the 2^nd half.

L.A. got on the board first, when Omar Gonzalez headed home a goal in the 28^th minute. The goal came off a set piece, with Stefan Ishizaki taking the corner kick. Gonzalez bounced the header off of the ground before finding the top corner of the net. Robbie Keane had a chance to extend the lead just eight minutes later. However, his penalty kick found the crossbar and bounced out, denying their chance at the 2-0 lead.

San Jose came out firing in the 2^nd half, after being dominated for much of the first half, and was finally rewarded with a goal in the 66^th minute. “We had a very poor start and it’s very frustrating to have a game like this and have that type of start from your group. The attitude in the second half was great,” Earthquakes’ coach Mark Watson said on the tales of two halves performance.

Chris Wondolowski earned his team leading 13^th goal of the season on the tally. Jordan Stewart earned the assist on the play, his first as a MLS player. Stewart created the chance after taking advantage of a misplayed Galaxy clearance near the edge of the box. He passed to Wondolowksi, who used his right foot to find the top part of the net.

The Galaxy dominated the game outshooting the Quakes 19-8, with the shots on goal advantage of 8-3. They also had the advantage in corner kicks as well, with one of their eight finding the back of the net.

San Jose will take out their passports next, as they will travel to Montreal, Quebec, Canada to take on the Impact next Saturday.

Follow Joe Lami on Twitter: @joe_lami

Cabrera Prevents a Giant Sweep, Tigers Beat San Francisco 6-1

Published on September 8, 2014September 8, 2014 by joelamiLeave a comment

By: Joe Lami

The San Francisco Giants attempt at sweeping, the AL Central leading, Detroit Tigers came up short Sunday Evening, losing 6-1. Reigning American League Most Valuable Player, Miguel Cabrera lead the Tiger offensively with 3 RBI. Two of which came off a home run in the third inning on a ball hit to deep left center for the slugger’s 22^nd long fly of the season, and his third in the last two games.

The Giants only run came off the bat of Angel Pagan in the fifth inning bringing in Gregor Blanco. Pagan’s RBI was his only hit of the game, as he struggled from the lead-off spot batting one for five in Sunday’s contest. He wasn’t the only Giant who struggled, as the team was able to only mustard up one hit with runners in scoring position, as they hit a dreaded one for eight.

Most of this was due part to young left-handed pitcher, Kyle Lobstein. Lobstein earned his third start of the season and his best start since. He pitched 5.2 innings giving up one run on four hits, while striking out three in the process, earning his first win of the season.

Tim Hudson was handed his tenth loss of the season, as his record drops to 9-10. In the losing effort, the right-hander threw six innings, allowing eight hits for three runs and only striking out one.

The relievers didn’t do much better, as it took three different pitchers to get through the Tiger three run seventh. After Alex Avila started the inning with a strikeout, the Tigers were able to string some hits together. Andrew Romaine started things off with a single and a stolen base. Ian Kinsler would follow that up with an RBI double. Cabrera would earn his third RBI of the game and 100^th on the season with a single to left, bringing in Kinsler. Finally, Cabrera scored on a Victor Martinez double.

Sunday was a bad day to lose for the Giants’, as it doesn’t help their playoffs chances, with wins from Los Angeles, and Atlanta. All of which are vying for playoff positioning. The Giants fall to three games back behind the Dodgers in the NL West, while still holding onto the top Wild Card spot only three and half games up on Pittsburg. Atlanta and Milwaukee are on the heels of Pittsburg as well at a half game back.

Mexico Starts American Tour with 0-0 Draw in Front of a Sold Out Levi’s Stadium

Published on September 6, 2014September 6, 2014 by joelami1 Comment

By: Joe Lami

SANTA CLARA, Calif.—

Before a full crowd of 67,175, the first ever sellout at the Levi’s Stadium, the Mexican National Team started their American International Friendly tour with a 0-0 draw against the Chilean National Team on Saturday night.

With a crowd that must be similar to the Azteca in Mexico City, Mexican supporters urged their team to victory, however it didn’t pan out, as there were several opportunities missed from Mexico. The Mexicans finished the night with six shots, however none of them were on target to force Chilean goalkeeper, Claudio Bravo to make a save. Mexico really pushed for the result late in the game, as they had several chances late, all of which missed just over the bar.

“It bothers us a little bit that we couldn’t get the result, however we are still happy. The players are still getting used to each other. We had several counters that were clear chances and were very dangerous. If we continue to play like this we are going to get positive results,” added Mexican coach, Miguel Herrera on his team’s performance.

Coming off of his very impressive performance in Brazil a few months ago in the World Cup, Mexican goaltending superstar Guillermo Ochoa made the start in goal. He had an outstanding performance Saturday night in which he faced five shots, with one on target, earning him the man of the match. The one save he did make was absolutely spectacular, reminding everyone in attendance of the performance he showed in Brazil. Alexis Sanchez thought he had Ochoa beat, but the keeper made a jumping save pushing the ball just over the bar to keep the shutout in tact. “He (Ochoa) made a great save, everyday he is looking better,” commented Herrera on his keeper’s performance.

With the draw, Mexico still owns the advantage in the rivalry as they have an all-time record of 13-10-3 against Chile. Chilean coach Jorge Sampaoli said “The rivalry played nothing like a friendly, it played a lot more like a Coppa America match.” It showed, as there was two bookings in the match, something pretty uncommon in what is suppose to be a friendly. Each side picked them up late in the first half, as Mexico’s Paul Aguliar was booked in the 39th minute and Chile’s Eugenio Mena picked his up just five minutes later in the 44th.

Chile owned possession of the ball, as they had the advantage 60% to 40%, and their work rate was a lot higher as the passed the ball 313 times compared to Mexico’s 200 times. However, with the possession Chile was still unable to find the back of the net. “We spent a lot of time on the rivals side of the pitch, as they didn’t have too many second half chances,” added Sampoli.

Mexico continues their American tour later this week as they take Bolivia on Tuesday in Denver.

Follow Joe Lami on Twitter @joe_lami

San Jose’s Defense Settles Down and Earns 1-1 Draw With Real Salt Lake

Published on August 30, 2014September 1, 2014 by joelamiLeave a comment

By: Joe Lami

SANTA CLARA, CALIF.–

Coming into Saturday night’s contest, the San Jose Earthquakes had been struggling tremendously on defense conceding ten goals in the last three matches. They were able to turns things around, as they earned a 1-1 draw with supporter shield contenders Real Salt Lake. The draw marked the first time since August 2 that the team managed to earn points at home, and the first since July 23 at Buck Shaw Stadium, as the August 2^nd matchup was held at Levi’s Stadium.

The Earthquakes started strong, as they hopped on the board in just the 14^th minute of play. Chris Wondolowski set up the play of the left side, taking on two defenders before passing back to Sam Cronin, who gathered himself and ripped one low and right with the left foot to put the Quakes up early.

Wondolowski had another great chance just moments later in the 18^th minute. Tommy Thompson headed the ball over to Wondolowski just inside the 18-yard box, where he took a one-touched shot that just missed left of the net of putting San Jose up 2-0.The missed opportunity would come back to haunt San Jose, as Real Salt Lake would tie the game on a penalty kick in the 34^th minute. Jordan Stewart made a diving play towards the ball to attempt to clear, however he fouled Olmes Garcia on the play apparently to set up the penalty kick. Earthquakes’ Captain, Wondolowski commented on the foul “that wouldn’t have been a foul in the midfield, that wouldn’t have been a foul in the box, that wouldn’t have been a foul anywhere,” clearly frustrated on the call. Salt Lake took advantage of the opportunity, as Javier Moralez would get the penalty past Jon Busch. Moralez approached the ball and made a few stutter steps to throw off Busch’s timing before nailing into the bottom left corner. With the goal, Moralez continues he dominance over San Jose, scoring his eighth goal against the club in just 14 games played.

The Quakes did their best to try and equalize late in the game, with the best chance coming in the 81^st minute, when Tommy Thompson got a chance. However, Salt Lake defenders would get back to cover. Earthquakes’ coach Mark Watson was quite impressed with the play of Tommy Thompson “He’s well beyond his years and has obvious talent. He’s done well in every game he’s played for us”.

Though, San Jose couldn’t earn the victory, they still get a much needed point in a race for the playoffs that’s starting to look dimmer and dimmer by the day. However, the locker room still believes there’s a chance at the playoffs, “We completely believe that we still can get in the playoffs, we do have games in hand,” added Watson. The Earthquakes are going to need to become desperate for points, as the season starts to draw to a close. They’ll have to wait a week before they get back of the pitch, where they travel to Portland, who’s eight points ahead of San Jose, and in the last playoff spot. However, San Jose does have two games in hand.

You can follow Joe Lami on Twitter @joe_lami