California State University at Northridge
0-9-1, 0-1-0
Portland State
3-5-0, 0-0-0
CSUN Falls to Portland State on Late Goal
9/17/2023 3:43:00 PM | Women's Soccer
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Vikings struck first in the ninth minute of action. Moments after a corner kick, Abi Hoffman delivered a pass from the left side to the near far post where Raniyah Burton tapped the ball to Siena Higinbotham for a goal in front of the net. Hayden Mauldin had four saves in the first half, helping keep the Matadors within one for the remainder of the period. CSUN would put two shots on goal but the score remained 1-0 heading into halftime.
CSUN came out as the aggressors out of intermission, leading to the equalizer. Following a Portland State foul in the 53rd minute, CSUN received good field positioning at the left corner of the box. Yoshi Rucablcava took the free kick and hit the far corner of the netting to even the match. The Vikings would respond though minutes later. Audrey Williams had a shot attempt saved by the CSUN defense then a second shot moments later hit off the post. In the 58th minute, Burton broke through for the Vikings, scoring on a counter attack for a 2-1 lead.
Â
WHAT A GOAL! ??
— CSUN Women's Soccer (@CSUNWSoccer) September 17, 2023
Yoshi Rubalcava perfectly places this free kick in the upper left corner.
We're locked at 1-1 in the 53rd minute.#GoMatadors pic.twitter.com/nPPuEyQJjN
The Matadors would fight back once more leading to the game-tying strike in the 70th minute. On a play that began on CSUN's side of the field, Harlee Martin-Ditillo deposited a long pass through the middle of the field where Ashley Cruz outran her defender and finished on a high strike. Down the stretch, both sides picked up shots on frame but Portland State connected for the game-winning goal in the 89th minute. On a free kick, Higinbotham picked up a loose ball inside the six-yard mark and scored the go-ahead strike.
Â
TIED UP.
— CSUN Women's Soccer (@CSUNWSoccer) September 17, 2023
Harlee Martin-Ditillo sends a long ball to Ashley Cruz, who buries her fifth career goal.
2-2 in the 70th minute.#GoMatadors pic.twitter.com/z7H4rMpDoa
NOTES OF THE GAME
- CSUN drops to 0-9-1 on the season while Portland State improves to 3-5-0.
- Ashley Cruz's goal was the fifth of her career while Yoshi Rubalcava hit the net for the first in her two-year collegiate career.
- Harlee Martin-Ditillo picked up her second assist in as many games.
- Portland State outshot CSUN 14-10 and held a 11-7 edge in shots on goal.
- The Vikings also had four corner kicks to the Matadors' one.
ACCORDING TO COACH CHRISTINE JOHNSON
"I love the response, I don't like the conceding [of goals]. It's a little frustrating that we have to respond but there's fight. It's been a tough season and they're still fighting so that's a good thing.
We're getting more dynamic [offensively]. It's good that we're getting on the board. We've been working on it in training so it's nice to see it translating in the matches."
UP NEXT
CSUN returns to Big West action on Thursday, Sept. 21 for a home matchup with UC Davis. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN+ with Ghizal Hasan on the call.
#GoMatadors
Â
Team Stats
Sienna Higinbotham (2)
Assisted By: Raniyah Burton , Abi Hoffman
29 passes from left side into box, 8 one touch to 2 for the goal. GK gets a hand but can't save
08:32
Yoshi Rubalcava (1)
Off free kick from top left corner of the box.
52:59
Raniyah Burton (3)
Assisted By: Elle Frazier
14 pushes ball up ahead through right side of box, 8 scores from the right, GK gets a hand on the ball.
57:34
Ashley Cruz (1)
Assisted By: Harlee Martin-Ditillo
9 from other side of field near left sideline, pass through the middle. 11 gets by last defender and finishes on a 1v1
69:36
Sienna Higinbotham (2)
Assisted By: Kalo Iongi
Free kick from near sideline into scrum, 2 finishes inside the six yard mark
88:34
