Clubs clash on motivation, but goal remains identical
AsthereigningNCAAmen’ssoccer champion, Stanford has dealt all season with its opponents getting extra pumped up to play.
For the first four games this season, the Cardinal struggled to meet those challenges, but always understood a victory over Stanford gave opponents an additional feeling of accomplishment.
But at this point in the season, Cardinal coach Jeremy Gunn is confused as to whyWakeForest is talking about anything other than the chance to win a trophy.
Fifth-seeded Stanford (14-3-5) will play No. 2 seed Wake Forest (19-2-3) in theNCAACollegeCuptitlegameSunday at BBVA Compass Stadium. The teams met in the 2015 quarterfinals, with the Cardinal eliminating the Demon Deacons, then the No. 1 seed.
“Both teams are a little different from last year, but it is a great chance to get back at them,” said Wake Forest midfielder Ian Harkes, a first-team All-American who scored a golden goal in Friday’s semifinal victory over Denver. “There is a little bit of revenge factor.”
When told about the Demon Deacons using revenge as motivation for Sunday’s final, Gunn smiled and then dismissed the notion. Revenge is overrated
“If WakeForest gets more excited to play us because webeat them last year, does that mean we will be less excited to play based on that?” Gunnsaid. “We talk about payback, and these are all wonderful stories you guys can write, but think of the logic. Both teams have a chance to play for the national championship. Doyoureally think anybody really cares about what happened last year at this point?”
What Stanford cares about is extending its superb defensive record because it would mean a great opportunity to win the title. The Cardinal have not conceded a goal in six consecutive postseason matches, including four this season.
The last team to score on Stanford in the playoffs was Wake Forest in last year’s quarterfinal. This season, the Demon Deacons are playing well and are confident. They are riding high as champions of the Atlantic Coast Conference, arguably the NCAA’s toughest soccer league. Each seeks program’s 2nd title
Noneof the players have experience in a final, but the program is no stranger to the biggest stage. Wake Forest is trying to win its second championship, having claimed its first in 2007.
Stanford also is seeking its second national title. If the Cardinal do it, they would do so in consecutive seasons, becoming the first repeat champion since Indiana in 2004.
“It is an honor to be in that position,” goalkeeper Nico Corti said. “We have worked very hard to put ourselves there, but at the same time we’re treating (Sunday) as one gameandone opportunity. We’ll try not to think of the big picture.”