CSUN Sets School Shutout Record in 1-0 Win Over UC Riverside

NORTHRIDGE, CA---

CSUN Women's Soccer (8-3-5, 3-1-1 BWC) set a new school record with its 12th shutout of the season as the Matadors defeated UC Riverside (3-9-3, 0-4-0 BWC), 1-0, on Thursday evening at Matador Soccer Field. Senior defender Nicole Thompson headed home her first career goal in the 48th minute off a set piece to lift the Matadors to victory. Junior Jovani McCaskill saved four in net en route to earning her 11th clean sheet, tying a Matador single season shutout record.

In a familiar tale told throughout the season, the Matadors' superb defense would be the story again on Thursday. Following back-to-back shutouts on the road last weekend, CSUN earned its 12th shutout in 16 matches by holding the Highlanders to nine shots.

CSUN held a 6-4 edge in the shots department in the first half as Cynthia Sanchez, Breanna McCallum and Bethany Fitzsimmons all put shots on target. On the flip side, McCaskill made three saves in net including stopping a pair of attempts late in the period.

The score remained deadlocked at 0-0 heading into halftime. After intermission, the Matadors continued to find success generating scoring opportunities in their final third. Camille Watson had her shot blocked moments into the second half and the team also earned a pair of corner kicks. The team finally broke through off its second corner kick of the half as a pair of well-executed passes led to the goal.

Utilizing a pass from Ariana Tran from the corner, Sylvia Trinh drove the ball from outside the box towards the left side of the goal. Thompson collected the pass from Trinh and headed in the ball from eight yards out to give CSUN the 1-0 advantage.

Showcasing her ability to score on the offensive side, Thompson and the Matador defense went to work on the other side of the field to prevent an equalizer.

CSUN held UC Riverside to five shots in the second half with only one shot on frame. Christina Tucker and Danielle Lopez each recorded shots in the period but both shots were blocked away by the defense.

In perhaps UC Riverside's best look of the night, Hailey Wright received a cross and positioned herself near the middle of the box to fire at the goal. However, Wright's shot went wide right as McCaskill trailed the shot the whole way through.

The Highlanders recorded its final shot in the 90th minute on a long kick from Lindsay Madison but McCaskill would make a clean two-handed save to secure the victory.

In the match, CSUN outshot UC Riverside, 12-9 and held a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks. Yellow cards were shown to UC Riverside's Kyra Taylor and Tayler Dragoo while Taylor Hobson also received a caution.

Known for her impressive play on the backline, Thompson's header was her first goal in 62 career games for CSUN. The senior has now registered three points on the season and six for her career. Thompson also became the 10th different Matador to record a goal this season.

McCaskill's 11th shutout of the season ties Cynthia Jacobo (2012) and Jenny Willemse (2001) for the most in a season in team history. She also earned her 16th career win in the match, which ties her with former teammate Cynthia Tafoya (2012-15) for the fourth-most in the CSUN record books.

The 12th shutout of the season, surpasses the mark set by the 2001 and 2012 teams. The Matadors also continued their run of strong defense at home. After giving up a goal in its home opener on Aug. 26, CSUN has extended its string of shutout soccer to 721:15 in games played at Matador Soccer Field.

The Matadors hit the road for their final road match of the season on Sunday against UC Irvine. Kickoff from Anteater Stadium is slated for 2 p.m.

CSUN Sets School Shutout Record in 1-0 Win Over UC Riverside

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Team Stats

Nicole Thompson

Sylvia Trinh

Ariana Tran

Cynthia Sanchez

Players Mentioned

Bethany Fitzsimmons

Taylor Hobson

Breanna McCallum

Jovani McCaskill

Cynthia Sanchez

Cynthia Tafoya

Nicole Thompson

Ariana Tran

Sylvia Trinh

Camille Watson