CSUN Drops High-Scoring Battle at Seattle U, 4-3

Friday, September 27

Seattle, Wash.

7:00 p.m.

California State University at Northridge

2-3-3, 0-0-0

Seattle University

3-3-2, 0-0-0

CSUN

Seattle U

Photo by: Chuck Marvel

CSUN Drops High-Scoring Battle at Seattle U, 4-3

9/27/2024 9:23:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

SEATTLE, Wash.---CSUN Men's Soccer dropped a wild 4-3 decision to Seattle U in its final non-conference match on Friday evening at Championship Field. Zion Wagoner notched his first career goal while Deryk Jones, Jr. and Michael Blevins picked up goals on the night.

The Matadors roared to a 2-0 lead, but the Redhawks scored four unanswered and held off a late CSUN charge in the closing minutes.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Redhawks went on the attack in the early going, generating three shots in the first two-plus minutes. Cook was active in goal throughout the first 45 minutes, picking up a save off an attempt from Taketo Onodera in the 11th minute. After Cook snuffed another shot from Onodera, CSUN's goalkeeper saved a low shot from Richy Lapointe-Guevera. The Matadors were held without a shot until the 26th minute but made the most of the opportunity. Arturo Reveles set up the scoring chance with a pass to Zion Wagoner above the box. Wagoner would take one dribble before sending a left-footed shot into the right corner of the net for a 1-0 CSUN lead.

GOLAZION.

What a strike from Wagoner to put CSUN ahead in the first half.#GoMatadors pic.twitter.com/NaowtkKz2I
— CSUN Men's Soccer (@CSUNMensSoccer) September 28, 2024

Less than six minutes later, the Matadors struck again, this time off the foot of Jones who went left to right and took four dribbles before finishing on a low shot inside the far corner post. CSUN led 2-0 until the 44th minute of play when Seattle U finally broke through on a strike from Edgar Leon, set up by Eiji Hata.

Deryk Jones making it look EASY.

2-0 CSUN in the 32nd minute.#GoMatadors pic.twitter.com/BEIyrSH1g8
— CSUN Men's Soccer (@CSUNMensSoccer) September 28, 2024

After intermission, Seattle U continued its offensive pressure leading to the equalizer in the 49th minute. On the play, Hata picked up his second assist of the night with a cross to the center of the box where Jeremy Opong finished with a header to even the match. The Redhawks completed the comeback with another strike in the 58th minute off a throw in. Nico Wiskel delivered a high throw that sailed over a wall of players and bounced once in the box before Andre Philibbosian headed in the go-ahead score. The Redhawks were not done as a corner kick led to another goal for the home team in the 76th minute. Cook got a touch on the corner kick near the goal line, but Titus Washington followed with a tapper on the doorstep for a 4-2 Seattle U lead.

CSUN though showed little quit down the stretch, quickly responding with a goal of its own a minute later. On a drive from the left side, Sebastian Fuentes sent a cross to the far post where Blevins headed in a shot just across the goal line to cut the deficit to 4-3. The Matadors looked for the equalizer down the stretch, eventually gaining a solid look from Jorge Solorzano from the top of the box, but the attempt went wide. A late drive from Odin Rosten in the closing seconds of the game resulted in a CSUN foul as Seattle U hung on for the victory.

GOOOOOAL!

Michael Blevins credited as CSUN cuts the deficit to 4-3 in the 77th minute.#GoMatadors pic.twitter.com/vz9i3pK5pV
— CSUN Men's Soccer (@CSUNMensSoccer) September 28, 2024

NOTES OF THE GAME

CSUN drops to 2-3-3 overall while Seattle U improves to 3-3-2.
The Redhawks led 24-8 in shots along with a 10-6 edge in shots on goal.
Seattle U also topped CSUN 10-3 in corner kicks.
Jones and Blevins each recorded their second goals of the season to move into a three-way tie for the team lead with Solorzano.
With Wagoner hitting the net, seven CSUN players have scored goals this season.
Cook finished with six saves.

ACCORDING TO COACH TERRY DAVILA
"The difference in the game was set pieces. They scored three goals on set pieces tonight. Every phase of the game is important."

UP NEXT
CSUN opens Big West play next Wednesday, Oct. 2 against UC Riverside at Matador Soccer Field. Kickoff is set for 7:05 p.m. on ESPN+ with Ghizal Hasan on the call.

#GoMatadors