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Vikings Upset Stanford!

Box Score

Nov. 11, 2012

In an incredibly exciting, fast, tough game, the Vikings, who were behind by one or two goals most of the night, came back late in the fourth quarter to upset a strong Stanford team, 12-11.  After the first half, the score was tied 7-7, with Jake McIntyre doing most of the damage on offense for the Vikings.  The third quarter ended with the Cardinal leading 9-8.  Quickly into the fourth, Stanford scored, building what seemed to be a lead (10-8) that the Vikings might not be able to overcome.  Undaunted, Chris Banks used his speed to dodge past his defender, ripped a shot by the goalie to make it 10-9.  Stanford won the faceoff, but the defense held, regained possession, and Jakob Ternes whipped a shot from 15 yards out to tie the game with 6:11 left on the clock.  Stanford scored immediately to make it 11-10 Stanford.  That's when midfielder Cory Callahan took control of the game, scoring the final two goals of the game, the last one coming with less than a minute left in the game.  The Vikings won a rare faceoff, held possession of the ball successfully, despite Stanford's defense double-teaming the ball, until an errant cross field pass went out of bounds with 5 seconds remaining.  Stanford coach, Drew Virk called a timeout to set up a final play, which added to the drama of the night.  The Vikings defended the desperation pass well to secure the victory.  The Vikings played the game of their season, with the offense clicking and creating a lot of shots and just enough goals.  The defense continued its strong performance against a Stanford offense filled with all league performers.  Goalies Alec Hamlin and Michael Schleicher, who each played a half, both played phenomenally to prevent numerous shots on goal by the Cardinal.  Likewise, the Cardinal goalie also had a terrific night with some tremendous saves.  

This was truly a team victory for the Vikings who clearly played their best game of the year when it was needed most.  The offense was crisp and fluid, the defense was stingy and stout, and the players who did not necessarily step onto the field during the game, stayed "in the game" and willed the Vikings to victory.  Also, kudos to Coaches Wallahan, Loechner and Boone for their leadership in the victory.  Finally, a sincere "thank you" to coach Drew Virk of Stanford, a longtime supporter of Viking Lacrosse, who was gracious and complementary after the game, spent time talking to our coaches and players.  We wish him and the Cardinal great success in the upcoming spring season.

Nect up:  The last full home game of the season versus UC Davis, Friday night, November 16th at 7:15 at Viking Field.