Stanford University’s men’s soccer team experienced its first loss of the 2025 season, falling 1-0 to Louisville on Friday morning in Kentucky. Despite dominating offensively with a 16-4 shot advantage, Stanford was unable to convert any of its four shots on target.
Louisville improved its record to 4-0-0 and secured a fourth consecutive shutout. The only goal of the match came after the opening 20 minutes when Chase Vasquez won possession in the box and scored with a right-footed shot past Stanford goalkeeper Rowan Schnebly.
Stanford’s head coach Jeremy Gunn commented on the team’s performance: “I was truly proud of how we played today, but also incredibly frustrated. We started the game on the front foot and, in every category apart from the one that decides the result, we were the better team. We defended well, passed and moved the ball effectively, and created enough quality chances to score. Sometimes the players execute magnificently and you just get sucker punched.”
The Cardinal pressed for an equalizer throughout the second half but could not break through Louisville’s defense. Notable attempts included a header by Zach Bohane off a Palmer Bank cross in the 77th minute and another chance set up by Bohane for Alex Chow, both denied by Louisville goalkeeper Alex Svetanoff.
“In the end, they scored off their one good chance and then managed to bunker in, sit behind the ball, and slow the game down as much as possible,” Gunn said. “It’s frustrating when you don’t manage to convert on your own chances, but the exciting thing is we played so early in the day that we won’t lose a travel day. We’ll be back to work quickly and get prepared for our next game.”
Stanford will return home to face Saint Mary’s on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in a non-conference matchup.
