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Bears can’t convert opportunities, fall to Cardinal in home finale

Daily Planet Wire Services
Monday November 12, 2001

No. 3 Stanford scored midway through the first half and never looked back as it shutout out rival California, 2-0, in front of 1105 spectators at Edwards Stadium Sunday afternoon.  

The Cardinal (14-1-1 overall, 4-1-1 Pac-10) took the second game of the two-game season set on the strength of Lee Morrision’s fourth goal of the year in the 26th minute.  

The Golden Bears had plenty of opportunities, particularly in the first half, but couldn’t capitalize. Cal (9-8-1, 2-4-0) outshot Stanford, 5-1, in the opening period. Senior forward Austin Ripmaster had a clear shot on net, but failed to convert as he shot right at Cardinal keeper Andrew Terris.  

Sophomore midfielder Omar Gusmao, who replaced a suspended Mike Munoz in the starting lineup, let go of a blast from atop the box, but barely missed the goal.  

Stanford scored the insurance goal in the 67th minute and sat on the lead for the rest of the contest to tally its 14th win of the season. Johanes Maliza scored the second goal after a series of headers in the box as Derek Shanahan assisted him for his sixth goal of the season.  

Cal freshman standout Mike Munoz missed the game to serve a suspension after drawing a red card in last week’s game versus UCLA.  

“We definitely missed Michael today, but I don’t think that’s the reason why we lost,” said coach Kevin Grimes. “You can never put it on the shoulders of one man. We definitely missed his presence out there, but Omar (Gusmao) did a very good job as his replacement.”  

Stanford has taken the last five matches from the Golden Bears dating back to 1999. In their last meeting, the Card blanked Cal, 4-0, at Stanford.  

Stanford was outshot 10-8 for the game, but capitalized on the chances that came its way.  

“You have to give Stanford credit,” said Grimes. “They get one or two chances and they put them away. You can’t discount their efforts in the attack. They’re dangerous and that’s why Stanford’s ranked where they are.”  

Cal concludes the regular season with a swing through the Pacific Northwest as they visit Oregon State and Washington. The Bears travel to Corvallis to face the Beavers on Friday at 1 p.m. and head up to Seattle Sunday to take on the 10th-ranked Huskies, also at 1 p.m.