CSUN Sets Program Record with Sixth-Straight Shutout in 2-0 Win Over Loyola-Chicago

NORTHRIDGE, CA---

Receiving two second half goals, CSUN Women's Soccer (4-1-4) defeated Loyola-Chicago (0-6-2) 2-0 on Friday afternoon at Valley Fields in the opener of the Marquette Invitational. Senior Kourtney Kutscher netted her first goal of the season and sophomore Justine Silvers scored for the first time in her collegiate career in the 71st minute. In the victory, the Matadors earned their sixth-straight shutout, setting a new school record. In net, junior Jovani McCaskill posted her sixth individual shutout of the season and her 13th career clean sheet.

Undefeated in their last five matches, the Matadors controlled the ball throughout most of the afternoon against the Ramblers. CSUN outshot Loyola, 25-6, in the contest including holding an 11-1 advantage on shots on target. The Matadors also edged Loyola-Chicago, 5-3, in corner kicks.

Coming off three consecutive scoreless draws, the Matadors played to their fourth-straight scoreless first half. However, despite not connecting on a goal through the first 45 minutes, CSUN would post four shots on goal.

Among the close calls in the opening period, Sylvia Trinh headed a shot that forced the Rambler defense to move from their line to make a team save. Both Kutscher and Bret Guarino also had shots saved in the first half while Bethany Fitzsimmons fired a shot in the final minute that was snagged by goalkeeper Cassidy Lentz.

After intermission, the Matadors continued to press offensively. Seconds after Camille Watson delivered a shot saved by Lentz in the 55th minute, Briana Geffre fired a rebounding shot that Lentz collected to keep the game at 0-0.

The Matadors' persistence finally paid off in the 59th minute. Moments after a corner kick, Kutscher utilized a pass from Trinh to net a shot from 15 yards out on the left wing.

Looking for more, the Matadors recorded five more shots including a shot on goal from Cynthia Sanchez before Silvers doubled the lead at the 70:42 mark of the match. After Kutscher fired a shot that was blocked by the Rambler defense, Silvers gathered the rebound and sent in the Matadors' second goal from 10 yards out.

CSUN's stingy defense frustrated Loyola-Chicago throughout the afternoon. Limiting the Ramblers to six shots on the day, the Matadors allowed just two shots over the last 35:53 of the match. Loyola-Chicago forced McCaskill to record one save in the contest on a shot in the 55th minute.

The Matadors' sixth-straight shutout gives the team seven on the season, tying their entire total in 2015. CSUN has now held opponents without a goal over the last 631:15.

On the starting backline, Lindsay Kutscher led the way with 82 minutes on the field while Nicole Thompson played 81 as she was substituted off the field for the first time this season. Amanda Martin logged 76 minutes on Friday and Christina Nixon finished with 52.

Kutscher finished with a team-high five shots with three on goal. Watson and Marissa Favela had three shots in the match while Sanchez, Trinh and Geffre had two apiece.

With the victory, McCaskill climbed into fifth place in CSUN's all-time career win list. McCaskill moved into a three-way tie with Karen Comstock (2002-05) and Tawni Takagi (1996-99) in the CSUN record books with her 12th career win.

CSUN concludes its stay in Milwaukee, WI, on Sunday with an 11:30 a.m. (PT) match against Marquette.

CSUN Sets Program Record with Sixth-Straight Shutout in 2-0 Win Over Loyola-Chicago

Next Event

Team Stats

Kourtney Kutscher

Justine Silvers

Sylvia Trinh

Bethany Fitzsimmons

Players Mentioned

Marissa Favela

Bethany Fitzsimmons

Briana Geffre

Bret Guarino

Kourtney Kutscher

Lindsay Kutscher

Amanda Martin

Jovani McCaskill

Christina Nixon

Cynthia Sanchez

Justine Silvers

Nicole Thompson

Sylvia Trinh

Camille Watson