Stanford wins NCAA title with shootout victory over Wake Forest

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Stanford's field players stood 55 yards away from goalkeeper Andrew Epstein totally helpless for what was about to happen.

If Stanford was going to win the NCAA championship, Epstein had to save the fifth shot in the penalty shootout. All his teammates could do was watch from afar, but they were confident.

Epstein came through for Stanford as it defeated Wake Forest, 5-4, in a penalty shootout to claim its second consecutive NCAA title Sunday at BBVA Compass Stadium.

The Cardinal (14-3-6) are the first team to repeat as champions since Indiana in 2004. They also are the third team not win the title and not concede a goal in the tournament.

Wake Forest (19-2-4) had a chance to win the title on its fifth shooter, but Epstein saved Hayden Partain's attempt to extend the shootout to sudden death.

Stanford's Sam Werner scored before Epstein saved a shot by Brad Dunwell to clinch the championship.

"We have seen Andrew make saves like those a million times," Stanford defender Brian Nana-Sinkam said. "He prepares us for these moments, taking them in these finals and semifinals because he is so hard to get the ball past. He is unbelievable at guessing. As we're standing there with our arms locked we were saying, 'He's gonna save this. We believe in him.'"

Stanford is 3-for-3 in penalty shootouts at the last two College Cups. The Cardinal advanced to Sunday's final by beating North Carolina, 10-9, in Friday's semifinal. Last year they defeated Akron, 8-7, in a semifinal shootout.

Stanford goalie Andrew Epstein (1) slides into the field to celebrate with his teammates after blocking a penalty shoot-out from Wake Forest Brad Dunwell (12) and helps the team to win the NCAA Men's College Cup Championship game at BBVA Compass Stadium Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in Houston. Stanford University beat Wake Forest 5-4. less Stanford goalie Andrew Epstein (1) slides into the field to celebrate with his teammates after blocking a penalty shoot-out from Wake Forest Brad Dunwell (12) and helps the team to win the NCAA Men's College ... more Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 65 Caption Close Stanford wins NCAA title with shootout victory over Wake Forest 1 / 65 Back to Gallery

In the defining moment Sunday, Epstein said he got a good read on the Partain before choosing the right way to dive.

"On the fifth he was a little tighter so it was harder for him to hit it across his body," Epstein said. "I felt confident going to my left."

A video review nearly decided the game in regulation.

In the 72nd minute Stanford's Drew Skundrich hit a shot from inside the 6-yard box and it rolled into a pile at the goal line. Goalkeeper Andreu Cases Mundet grabbed the ball and while laying on a teammate.

Stanford players celebrated a goal. Cases Mundet celebrated a save. The public address announcer announced a goal.

NCAA rules allow for a review, which resulted in no goal being awarded.

"I had 11 players who were absolutely positive it had gone in," Stanford coach Jeremy Gunn said. "I don't think the angle they had for the refs was very good. They couldn't see the ball so I have no idea if it had gone in. It is fair for both teams. If it can help referees do already a really, really difficult job I am in favor of it."

Stanford controlled the first 20 minutes, but Wake Forest turned the tide after that. The game played even in the second half and overtime with both teams testing the opposing goalkeeper a handful of times.