Matadors Shutout Omaha, 2-0

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NORTHRIDGE, CA---

CSUN Women's Soccer (5-2-4) posted a 2-0 victory over Omaha (2-7-2) in a non-conference contest on Sunday afternoon at Matador Soccer Field. Senior Camille Watson netted her third goal of the season in limited minutes and fellow senior Sylvia Trinh headed in an insurance goal late in the second half off a set piece. The Matadors continued their strong play on the defensive side, recording their eighth shutout of season and their seventh over the last eight contests.

On an afternoon with heavy winds, the Matadors were able to control the ball throughout the match. Outshooting the Mavericks, 27-5 in the game, the Matadors produced quality looks at the net consistently over the 90 minutes of action.

"It's a hard time to play with the wind the way it is," said head coach Keith West. "I was super proud of our young ladies. I think they came out, had some quality today and we did some good things."

Kourtney Kutscher registered the first shot on goal of the day in the 22nd minute which forced goalkeeper Erin Bunker to leave her line. Nine different Matadors posted shots in the first half including Lindsay Kutscher who had three. Shortly after Kyla Diekmann headed a shot just high of the net, the Matadors would cash in on their first goal of the day in the 40th minute.

With the ball played near midfield, Taylor Hobson lobbed an overhead pass down the left wing. Streaking down the left side of the box, Watson was able to outrun her defender and track the ball down. Bringing Bunker out of the goal, Watson found the back post with a quick shot from less than 10 yards away.

Taking a 1-0 lead into intermission, the Matadors outshot Omaha, 14-0 in the first 45 minutes.

In the second period, the Matadors continued to press offensively as they looked to add to their lead. Kourtney Kutscher nearly connected with a shot that banged off the cross bar and her sister Lindsay Kutscher almost found the net on the ensuing rebound, which was saved by Bunker on a diving play.

The Mavericks earned their first shot in the 64th minute as they came within inches of tying the match. Keeping the ball above the box, Emily Romero delivered a long shot that forced goalkeeper Jovani McCaskill to leave her feet. With the ball heading towards the top of the net, McCaskill punched the ball over the goal to keep CSUN ahead.

CSUN added to its lead in the 82nd minute of the contest after earning a corner kick. Utilizing a pass from Breanna McCallum, Trinh headed in the Matadors' second goal from in front of the net.

The Matador defense held Omaha to five shots in the second half including one over the final 16:26 to earn the shutout.

After giving up a goal in the second half of its home opener to North Dakota on Aug. 26, CSUN has not surrendered a goal over its last 521:15 of home matches. The team also earned their eighth shutout of the season on Sunday, which is the most since 2014.

"Nicole Thompson sets the tone for our team and Lulu Kutscher," added West about his defense. "They bring such an energy and a battle to the defensive side of the ball. If the team doesn't get with them then we are going to be in trouble. I have to give those two [credit] and Taylor Hobson. When your goalie [Jovani McCaskill] makes a play like she did [in the second half] on that one shot, it really doesn't surprise me how many shutouts we have."

Watson's goal in the first half came on her only shot of the day as she played six minutes in a reserve role. Her score was also her sixth of her career and her team-leading third of the season.

The victory gives McCaskill her 13th win of her CSUN career and it moves her into sole possession of fifth-place all-time in the Matador record books. McCaskill needs three more victories to move into a fourth-place tie with former teammate Cynthia Tafoya (2012-15).

The Matadors now turn their attention to the start of Big West Conference play on Friday, Sept. 30. CSUN hosts UC Davis in its conference opener with kickoff slated for 7 p.m.

Matadors Shutout Omaha, 2-0

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Team Stats

Sylvia Trinh

Camille Watson

Breanna McCallum

Taylor Hobson

Players Mentioned

Kyla Diekmann

Taylor Hobson

Kourtney Kutscher

Lindsay Kutscher

Breanna McCallum

Jovani McCaskill

Cynthia Tafoya

Nicole Thompson

Sylvia Trinh

Camille Watson