U.S. international Jordan Morris scored two of the biggest goals of his college career, both off great feeds from teammates Eric Verso and Amir Bashti, to lead Stanford to a 3-1win over Ohio State and advance to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division I Men’s Tournament for the first time since 2002.
A great combination play with Verso, the fifth-year senior, set up Morris for the opening goal in the 52nd minute. Verso chippedthe ball over the Buckeye backline to put Morris through for the goal.
“This game felt great,” said Morris, who returned to the Cardinal for the postseason after being with the U.S.national team for the opening games of World Cup 2018 qualifying. “The goal is all credit to Verso. It was a great ball by him.”
Less than 10 minutes later, Ohio State tied the score on aheader by Abdi Mohamed.
Morris put the Cardinal back ahead in the 77th minute on a back-heel pass from Bashti, who had fended off two Buckeye defenders. Morris had almost no roomto shoot but managed to put a curling shot inside the far post.
“[Amir] is one of the best players on our team in those tight areas with the ball at his feet,” said Morris, whose goalsgave him 10 for the season. “I just took it, and luckily it went in.”
Sophomore Corey Baird clinched win with a goal in the 88th minute.
Nov. 29 in Stanford, California
Stanford 3 Ohio State 1. Goals: Morris (Verso) 53, Morris (Bashti) 78, Baird 88; Mohamed (Bergstrom) 62.
Stanford —Epstein, Skundrich, Nana-Sinkam, Vincent, Hilliard-Arce, Meehan, Thompson, Verso, Baird, Morris, Langsdorf. Sub: Bashti.
Ohio State — Froschauer, Robertson, Bergstrom, Kidwell,Culbertson, Doyle, Mason, Soldat, Mohamed, Jensen, Amankwa. Subs: McCrary, Froschauer.
Att.: 1,634.
Morris’s control at speed was excellent on his first goal. He is also very good at getting a shot off quickly, which is how he got the second goal.
We finally have a player who can compliment Altidore.
AK, convinced so quickly?