California State University at Northridge
4-6-6, 2-3-2
UC San Diego
4-9-3, 3-3-1
Ricketts' Brace Propels CSUN to 2-1 Win Over UCSD
10/18/2023 9:39:00 PM | Men's Soccer
HOW IT HAPPENED
The first 45 minutes would be a back-and-forth battle with CSUN holding a narrow edge in shots 5-4. Jorge Solorzano had one of the Matadors' best looks from near the 12-yard mark but his shot went wide. Later in the half, Jack Hagan put a solid shot nearly on frame from the top of the box that forced goalkeeper Merrick Cook to leave his feet. After a pair of UCSD corner kicks, CSUN put three shots on frame in the closing minutes including an Odin Rosten shot that forced goalkeeper Mitchell Wilson to leave his post and make the save.
After CSUN was kept off the scoreboard in the first half, Ricketts would quickly light up the scoreboard 13 seconds into the second half. On the opening kickoff, Sebastian Fuentes set up the play with a one touch through the middle of the field where Ricketts broke away from his defender before beating Wilson and hitting the back of the net. CSUN's lead though was short-lived as the Tritons answered back in the 51st minute on a strike from Inaki Iribarren who scored from eight yards. The Matadors would control the pace for much of the second half, generating several attempts including a shot from Solorzano that hit the right post.
We'd say this is a pretty good start to the second half.
— CSUN Men's Soccer (@CSUNMensSoccer) October 19, 2023
Jamar Ricketts gives CSUN the lead just 12 seconds into the frame on the assist from Sebastian Fuentes!#GoMatadors pic.twitter.com/3b9PSU4DHo
The game though would be decided in the 85th minute when Solorzano set up Ricketts with a chip pass to the far right post. Ricketts jumped and managed to tap the ball through the UCSD defense for the go-ahead goal. CSUN's defense held firm in the closing minutes to pick up the win.
RICKETTS AGAIN!
— CSUN Men's Soccer (@CSUNMensSoccer) October 19, 2023
An acrobatic goal puts CSUN up 2-1 with just over five minutes to play.#GoMatadors pic.twitter.com/mgU4TO9uNd
NOTES OF THE GAME
- CSUN improves to 4-6-6 overall on the season with a 2-3-2 league record while UC San Diego slips to 4-9-3 overall and 3-3-1 in Big West action.
- The Matadors led in the shot department 15-7 and held a 6-2 edge in shots on goal.
- UCSD held a 5-3 advantage in corner kicks.
- Jamar Ricketts' two goals gives the junior a team-high eight on the season. He is the second Matador to record a brace this season, joining Jack Rhead who had two goals against Cal State Fullerton on Sept. 27.
- Goalkeeper Merrick Cook recorded one save in front of the net.
ACCORDING TO COACH TERRY DAVILA
"Any win in The Big West is a big win so we're grateful to have this opportunity to play UC San Diego - a very good team and a very well coached team. They pose a lot of trouble on us, we had to be extremely patient. We're happy with the result.
Jamar is a type of player that's hard to game plan for. He pops up in places all around the field, very energetic and determined to score goals. We're very happy to have him on our team and we don't have to play against him so we're very fortunate."
Head coach Terry Davila on tonight's victory.#GoMatadors pic.twitter.com/XbzmW6eXCT
— CSUN Men's Soccer (@CSUNMensSoccer) October 19, 2023
JAMAR RICKETTS ON TONIGHT'S PERFORMANCE
#CSUN's Jamar Ricketts on his first career brace and the team's victory.#GoMatadors pic.twitter.com/UPIi7jUa0v
— CSUN Men's Soccer (@CSUNMensSoccer) October 19, 2023
UP NEXT
CSUN will play its final home regular season match on Saturday against visiting UC Santa Barbara. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN+. The Matadors will also celebrate Senior Night and honor a four-member senior class prior to the match.
#GoMatadors
Team Stats
Jamar Ricketts (8)
Assisted By: Sebastian Fuentes
Off kickoff, Long ball through the middle, 11 breakaway then beats GK 1v1
45:13
Inaki Iribarren (9)
Assisted By: James Redington
Ball played on the right sideline, kick into the box, 3 finishes from eight yards.
50:23
Jamar Ricketts (8)
Assisted By: Jorge Solorzano
7 chip pass from left to right, 11 finishes with a right foot at the far post
84:53
