Matadors Drop 1-0 Decision to Long Beach State

NORTHRIDGE, CA---

CSUN Women's Soccer (10-6-1, 3-1-1 Big West) was unable to overcome a late goal in the second half in its 1-0 defeat to Long Beach State (9-5-3, 4-2 Big West) on Thursday evening at Matador Soccer Field. Despite the Matadors outshooting the 49ers, 9-8, in the match and holding a 3-1 corner kick edge, a header from Melanie Fox in the 80^th minute proved to be the difference on Thursday.

"I felt we were a little unfortunate tonight not to get a goal," said head coach Keith West. "Obviously, if we score a goal early with a couple of our chances, I think it changes the complexion of how the rest of the game unfolds."

Both teams played a tight, defensive battle in the first half with only six shots attempted in the first 45 minutes of play.

Long Beach State held a 4-2 edge in shot attempts with one shot on goal. While the Matadors had only two shots at the net in the first half, Cynthia Sanchez may have had one of the best looks at the goal on the night.

Off a turnover, Sanchez received a long pass and proceeded to race down the field. As she has done on many instances already this season, Sanchez beat her defender and was only opposed by a moving goalkeeper on the break. Sanchez fired a shot from the right wing but her shot was kicked away by a sliding Imani McDonald to keep the game scoreless.

After halftime, CSUN had another strong look at the goal as the Matadors moved the ball deep inside LBSU's box. At the 60^th minute mark, CSUN connected on a series of passes close to the net and appeared to have its sights set on a score. Receiving a short pass from Kourtney Kutscher, Kirsten Von Meter delivered a shot that appeared to be going into the net but McDonald moved to her left at the right instance to deflect the shot out.

The Matador defense held Long Beach State to four shots in the second half and did not allow an attempt for the first 20 minutes of the period.

The 49ers though would take advantage of a free kick to deposit the go-ahead goal with less than 11 minutes to play in regulation. Fox utilized a pass from Jessica Vincent to head in the game's first score in a crowd near the net.

CSUN furiously looked for the equalizer over the final minutes as both Sanchez and Ariana Tran each tallied shots on goal but a comeback would not be in the cards.

The score in the 80^th minute marked the first occasion this season where the Matadors have trailed in a contest at home.

CSUN hits the road for a matchup with Cal State Fullerton on Sunday. Kickoff is slated for 5 p.m.

Matadors Drop 1-0 Decision to Long Beach State

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Team Stats

Cynthia Sanchez

Kirsten Von Meter

Kourtney Kutscher

Ariana Tran

Players Mentioned

Kourtney Kutscher

Cynthia Sanchez

Ariana Tran

Kirsten Von Meter