The glass slipper did not fit Cinderella in this top-10 matchup. No. 1 seed Stanford killed the hopes of eighth-seeded Alabama 7-3 in the second round of the women’s soccer NCAA Tournament.
Any tournament matchup can be described as a dance, and this was up there with the best. The Crimson Tide’s season ended in symphonic fashion.
Alabama was not a team that most expected to make its way into the NCAA Tournament this year, as it fell in the second round of the SEC tournament after a subpar season. But that is where the Crimson Tide has shone all season. Alabama has been a scrappy underdog that fought all 90 minutes and more to keep its season alive.
Looking at the score, one could assume that this was a one-sided game, but this was all but the sort.
Alabama brought the heat early, with forward Gianna Paul setting up a near go-ahead goal for the Crimson Tide within the first 30 seconds. However, when she passed the ball to her right, the only players in sight were three Cardinal defenders.
The short first act had just ended for the Crimson Tide.
As the offensive push shifted in Stanford’s favor, an Alabama foul allowed a Cardinal to get on the board.
Stanford was given a corner kick in Crimson Tide territory. The kick flew to the far side of the box, where midfielder Jasmine Aikey was waiting. Aikey jumped over five Alabama defenders to head in a near-unimpeded goal.
Falling behind early, the Crimson Tide was not willing to let things end 1-0.
Standout transfer Larkin Thomason drove the ball downfield, passing to Kiley Kukan, who was alone on the left flank. Stanford’s keeper rushed out to meet her. Kukan’s masterclass of a cross-field pass split two defenders, finding Gianna Paul guarded by one. The Cardinal went left and the ball went right.
The game was now tied 1-1 in the 11th minute.
Stanford was not backing down just yet, though. Six minutes later, the pressure was back on for Alabama. Eleanor Klinger fired a surprisingly uncontested ball past four defenders wearing white and crimson. The ball found Andrea Kitahata’s boot and slipped by Alabama’s keeper, who was also seemingly as lost as the defense.
It was still the first 20 minutes and Alabama was once again behind. The score was now 2-1.
The only way to describe what followed after would be to call it a track meet. Both teams went back and forth, vying to make it out of the half ahead. Gameplay was slowing down.
The third act had begun.
Each team fought the other for the next five minutes, going from one side of the field to the other. Eventually, one team had to come out in favor, and this time, luck was wearing crimson.
The ball was fired deep from Alabama’s side. Paul fought a defender for control, she won and passed it towards another player wearing the white kit. She tripped a Cardinal, creating an opening for Maddie Padalski. Padalski secured the ball and outran a defender, and number 18 was heading for the net.
Stanford’s keeper rushed out in an attempt to stop the advance. She slid in anticipation, but she missed. The sophomore’s shot flew about a foot and a half over the keeper’s head, straight into the goal.
The Crimson Tide had just silenced the home crowd by evening the score 2-2. But the clock was striking midnight, and Cinderella had to leave the ball.
The third act had just ended, and Alabama’s finale was beginning.
In the final moments of the first half, Elise Evans snatched the lead back for the Cardinal.
She wasn’t done yet either. Three minutes into the second half, she scored off another corner kick. Stanford had blown the match open with a two-score advantage.
Alabama attempted to mount a comeback, but was only able to secure one more goal. Paul belted a shot deep, seemingly giving the Crimson Tide a jolt of life in the 55th.
Stanford ran away with the game in the last 10. With the tide looking low for Alabama, Stanford would seal the game with dagger after dagger.
Alabama’s dance had ended, but the music was still playing.
“I don’t want this to take away from another good season for Alabama soccer. This is the fourth time in five years that we’ve been to the second round or further in the NCAA Tournament,” head coach Wes Hart said. “I hate that it ended this way for the seniors, who have been so important for us. We are going to miss them. I’m so grateful for everything they have given this program.”
Alabama may be losing one of the greatest players to don the grey and crimson kit, but the roster is still full of weapons. Current junior forward Larkin Thomason could be the next up in Crimson Tide soccer legends.
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