CSUN and UCSB Battle to 1-1 Draw

NORTHRIDGE, CA---

CSUN Women's Soccer (4-4-5, 0-1-1 BWC) earned its first point in Big West Conference play as the Matadors battled UC Santa Barbara (4-6-4, 0-2-1 BWC) to a 1-1 draw on Thursday evening at Matador Soccer Field. Freshman Amy Aquino knocked in her second goal of the season and the equalizer for CSUN in the 62nd minute while Marissa Favela recorded a game-high seven shots. Senior Jovani McCaskill collected six saves in net including a pair in extra time.

CSUN outshot UCSB 17-12 and earned a 5-3 advantage in corner kicks in the match. The Matadors' 17 shots are their most since collecting 19 against Utah Valley on August 27.

The Matadors earned the game's first shot in the eight minute after Lindsay Kutscher headed a bouncer that was saved by goalkeeper Brittney Rogers. Minutes later, UCSB went on the attack and found the back of the net off a set piece. In the 15th minute, Shaelan Murison sent in a corner kick from the right side to the far post where Chace Schornstein delivered a one touch back to the right side. Christine Maurer received the pass at the near post and cleaned up the play just inside the right corner to put UCSB on top 1-0.

The teams went back-and-forth for the remainder of the half with the Matadors holding a narrow 4-3 edge in shots. Michaela Giordano and Favela each had two attempts in the period but none of the shots reached the frame. McCaskill made three saves in the final minutes including a stop from her knees off a line drive from Maurer at center box.

After intermission, CSUN pressured the Gaucho defense at the outset, looking for the equalizer. Favela had her shot blocked early on while Jennifer Anderson took a shot from above the box that Rogers snared going to her right.

In the 62nd minute, the Matadors attacked the goal via an overhead pass from Sylvia Trinh. Cynthia Sanchez took the pass and went one on one with Rogers momentarily before sending a cross to Aquino on the left side. Aquino finished the play nicely with a shot that went inside the left post to even the match.

Shortly after the goal, Sanchez appeared as though she could give the Matadors the lead as she again attacked the goal and deposited a shot but Rogers made a diving save.

The Matadors held the Gauchos to three shots in the second period as the defense allowed just one shot on goal. Colby Parker took the shot from above the box but McCaskill would make a clean two-handed save.

After 90 hard-fought minutes, the teams battled into overtime still squared at 1-1. In 20 extra minutes, each squad earned three shots apiece including one shot on goal each. Aquino had perhaps the Matadors' best look in the second overtime as she headed an overhead pass at the near right post but Rogers stopped the potential winning strike.

McCaskill registered a save in each 10-minute session. Her last save came in the final minute as she came out of her position to knock away a Mallory Hromatko drive.

The Matadors have now played six overtime matches (1-0-5) this season and remain unbeaten in extra time on the year. CSUN and UCSB have also played in overtime matches in three-straight seasons as the Matadors had picked up wins in each of the past two contests.

The trio of Christina Nixon, Amanda Martin and Kutscher played a full 110 minutes on the night. Freshman Gabriella Hinojosa saw her first collegiate action in the match as she played eight minutes off the bench.

CSUN returns to the field on Sunday against Cal Poly. Kick off from Matador Soccer Field is set for 1 p.m.

CSUN and UCSB Battle to 1-1 Draw

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Team Stats

Amy Aquino

Cynthia Sanchez

Marissa Favela

Bret Guarino

Players Mentioned

Jennifer Anderson

Amy Aquino

Marissa Favela

Michaela Giordano

Gabriella Hinojosa

Lindsay Kutscher

Amanda Martin

Jovani McCaskill

Christina Nixon

Cynthia Sanchez

Sylvia Trinh