Thursday, August 14
Moraga, Calif.
5:00 p.m.
California State University at Northridge
2
at
2
Saint Mary's
Photo by: © Will Navarro
CSUN Battles Back for 2-2 Draw at Saint Mary's to Open Season
8/14/2025 7:52:00 PM | Women's Soccer
MORAGA, Calif.---CSUN Women's Soccer rallied from two deficits and found the equalizer with 2:10 to play to earn a 2-2 draw with Saint Mary's in the 2025 season opener on Thursday at Saint Mary's Stadium. Senior Cailey Jackson scored in the first half while freshman Lia Peterson recorded the game-tying goal in the 88th minute for the Matadors.Â
HOW IT HAPPENED
After putting a shot on frame in the fifth minute of play, Saint Mary's struck first in the 12th minute on a terrific run from Sydney Middaugh. Picking up a pass from Brooke Fairbanks out of the Matadors' backfield, Middaugh took the ball up the left side of the field before finishing from the wing through the CSUN defense. The 1-0 deficit though was short-lived, as CSUN had a quick response in the 15th minute. Keilani Claiborne would force a turnover near midfield leading to Jackson taking possession and depositing a 30-plus yard shot. The ball would sail over the head of goalkeeper Kate Plachy, who was off her line, tying the game at 1-1.
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Despite seeing nine shots from the Gaels in the first half, CSUN's defense held firm during the remaining portion of the period. CSUN netminder Riley Liebsack made her second save of the afternoon in the 34th minute, stopping an attempt from Briana Salvetti while Ashlyn Vaughn and Middaugh were off target in the closing minutes of the half.Â
The Gaels nearly went back in front in the 65th minute when Saint Mary's had a pair of good looks from inside 20 yards. CSUN broke up a cross near the six yard mark, but that led to Vaughn taking a near point blank shot from inside the box that was snuffed by Liebsack. On the loose ball, Ennis found possession and dribbled to her right before sending a low shot that went just wide. The score remained 1-1 until the 74th minute when the Gaels broke through again. After an attempted CSUN clear out, Saint Mary's regained possession and set up a scoring chance where Savannah Swarze found the net from the right side of the box through the hands of Liebsack.Â
Saint Mary's appeared to have put the game out of reach in the 86th minute when the Gaels hit the net from inside six yards, but after a video review, the goal was waived off in favor of an offside call. The Gaels looked to run out the clock on its side of the field until CSUN finally gained possession late in the contest. The Matadors earned a throw in near the right corner as Kayden Perigo lobbed the ball to Jordyn Canister at the near post. Canister would send a cross to the middle at the six-yard mark where Peterson tapped in the equalizer for 2-2 score. In the closing moments of the match, CSUN received one last look at the net on a near breakaway, but Canister was just off target from the left wing.Â
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NOTES OF THE GAME
ACCORDING TO COACH GINA BREWER
"I was extremely proud of our resilience and never say die attitude tonight. We knew it was going to be a physical battle and we kept fighting for all 90 minutes. It was a fantastic result to get the comeback draw for our first away game versus a very good opponent. We are excited to build on this momentum moving forward for the rest of our season."
UP NEXT
CSUN stays on the road to take on San José State on Sunday at noon. The match will be broadcast on the Mountain West Network.Â
#GoMatadors
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HOW IT HAPPENED
After putting a shot on frame in the fifth minute of play, Saint Mary's struck first in the 12th minute on a terrific run from Sydney Middaugh. Picking up a pass from Brooke Fairbanks out of the Matadors' backfield, Middaugh took the ball up the left side of the field before finishing from the wing through the CSUN defense. The 1-0 deficit though was short-lived, as CSUN had a quick response in the 15th minute. Keilani Claiborne would force a turnover near midfield leading to Jackson taking possession and depositing a 30-plus yard shot. The ball would sail over the head of goalkeeper Kate Plachy, who was off her line, tying the game at 1-1.
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Cailey is on the mark ??
— CSUN Women's Soccer (@CSUNWSoccer) August 15, 2025
Cailey Jackson hits the equalizer off the turnover from DEEP! We're level at 1-1. #GoMatadors pic.twitter.com/35VFvauVQH
Despite seeing nine shots from the Gaels in the first half, CSUN's defense held firm during the remaining portion of the period. CSUN netminder Riley Liebsack made her second save of the afternoon in the 34th minute, stopping an attempt from Briana Salvetti while Ashlyn Vaughn and Middaugh were off target in the closing minutes of the half.Â
The Gaels nearly went back in front in the 65th minute when Saint Mary's had a pair of good looks from inside 20 yards. CSUN broke up a cross near the six yard mark, but that led to Vaughn taking a near point blank shot from inside the box that was snuffed by Liebsack. On the loose ball, Ennis found possession and dribbled to her right before sending a low shot that went just wide. The score remained 1-1 until the 74th minute when the Gaels broke through again. After an attempted CSUN clear out, Saint Mary's regained possession and set up a scoring chance where Savannah Swarze found the net from the right side of the box through the hands of Liebsack.Â
Saint Mary's appeared to have put the game out of reach in the 86th minute when the Gaels hit the net from inside six yards, but after a video review, the goal was waived off in favor of an offside call. The Gaels looked to run out the clock on its side of the field until CSUN finally gained possession late in the contest. The Matadors earned a throw in near the right corner as Kayden Perigo lobbed the ball to Jordyn Canister at the near post. Canister would send a cross to the middle at the six-yard mark where Peterson tapped in the equalizer for 2-2 score. In the closing moments of the match, CSUN received one last look at the net on a near breakaway, but Canister was just off target from the left wing.Â
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The freshman is clutch!
— CSUN Women's Soccer (@CSUNWSoccer) August 15, 2025
Lia Peterson finds the equalizer with 2:10 to play, set up by Jordyn Canister.#GoMatadors pic.twitter.com/4IhoC5GZKs
NOTES OF THE GAME
- CSUN and Saint Mary's each move to 0-0-1 on the season.Â
- The Gaels led in the shot department 18-5 while holding a 5-2 edge in shots on goal.Â
- Saint Mary's also had a 8-1 lead in corner kicks.Â
- The Matadors snapped a four-game skid in season openers with Thursday's decision.Â
- Jackson notched her sixth career goal in the match.
- Canister was credited with the assist on Peterson's goal. Her helper was the second of her career.Â
- Liebsack posted three saves in front of the net.Â
ACCORDING TO COACH GINA BREWER
"I was extremely proud of our resilience and never say die attitude tonight. We knew it was going to be a physical battle and we kept fighting for all 90 minutes. It was a fantastic result to get the comeback draw for our first away game versus a very good opponent. We are excited to build on this momentum moving forward for the rest of our season."
UP NEXT
CSUN stays on the road to take on San José State on Sunday at noon. The match will be broadcast on the Mountain West Network.Â
#GoMatadors
Â
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Soccer
MF
/ Women's Soccer
F
/ Women's Soccer
GK
/ Women's Soccer
F
/ Women's Soccer
MF
/ Women's SoccerPeter J. Accardy Pool Naming Campaign
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