Matadors Hold on for 1-0 Victory Over Portland

NORTHRIDGE, CA---

Ariana Tran's second half goal proved to be the difference in CSUN Women's Soccer's (6-2) 1-0 victory over Portland (2-5) at Merlo Field on Sunday afternoon. Tran earned her first goal of the season, firing a bomb from the top of the box to give the Matadors the lead in the 57th minute.

"We stayed disciplined throughout the game," said head coach Keith West. "There were times where we were caught off guard against Washington on Friday night, but I felt the team rebounded well from that tough loss to beat a very good Portland team today. I am proud of the group and how well they played."

In a defensive struggle through the first half of play, both teams had a difficult time generating many shot attempts. Portland compiled four shots through the first 45:00 minutes while CSUN was held to none.

Starting in net for the fourth-straight contest, Cynthia Tafoya helped keep the Pilots off the scoreboard with two saves in the first half.

In an uneasy moment, Tafoya attempted to clear out the ball from inside the CSUN box in the 24^th minute but Portland forward Parkes Kendrick deflected the kick attempt, sending Tafoya to the ground. Seeing that Kendrick had corralled the ball and had a good look at the net, Tafoya sprung back to her feet in time to defend a shot at the net. With her momentum going to her right, Tafoya stopped the shot attempt with her left hand to register her first save.

After intermission, the Matadors went to work on offense in the early minutes. Earning its first corner kick of the match in the 54^th minute, CSUN tallied its first shot on goal when Lindsay Kutscher headed a shot deep inside the box that was saved by Hanna de Haan.

Capitalizing on their first shot attempt, the Matadors continued to apply the pressure moments later. Playing the ball at the top of the box, Camille Watson found Tran from nearly 25 yards out. The sophomore quickly blasted a rocket from the top of the box that reached the back of the net, giving the Matadors the 1-0 advantage.

Playing with the lead, Tafoya continued to stay active in net, notching her fourth save in the 61^st minute off the foot of Noelle La Prevotte. Tafoya deflected La Prevotte's shot up and over the net to keep CSUN ahead.

Still trailing by a goal, Portland tallied many shots down the stretch. In the final seven minutes of play, the Pilots totaled seven shots, however none of the shots were on goal.

The Matadors withstood Portland's final offensive barrage to hold on for their fourth shutout of the season.

"Anytime you can withstand so many shots and still come away with the victory, it makes you stronger," added West. "Today we bent but we didn't break."

In the contest, Portland outshot CSUN 16-4 and held a 10-2 edge in corner kicks. Conversely, the Matadors were efficient in their shot attempts, notching three shots on goal out of four attempts.

Tran's goal was her second of her career and she becomes the ninth different Matador to tally a goal this season.

Tafoya earned her seventh shutout of her career and her 11^thcareer victory on Sunday. Her seven shutouts place her in fifth place all-time in school history and also in sixth place in victories.

The Matadors continue their road trip with a Friday meeting with Santa Clara on Sept. 18. Kickoff is slated for 5:00 p.m.

Matadors Hold on for 1-0 Victory Over Portland

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Team Stats

Ariana Tran

Camille Watson

Kourtney Kutscher

Lindsay Kutscher

Players Mentioned

Lindsay Kutscher

Cynthia Tafoya

Ariana Tran

Camille Watson