California State University at Northridge
2-0-1, 0-0-0
Biola
0-1-0, 0-0-0
Pineda, Solorzano Lift CSUN Past Biola, 2-0
8/30/2025 10:55:00 PM | Men's Soccer
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — Enrique Pineda scored in the 16th minute and Jorge Solorzano added a penalty kick late in the first half as CSUN defeated Biola 2-0 on Saturday night at Matador Soccer Field. Goalkeeper Dorian Drucks had a career high nine saves as CSUN earned the shutout.
FIRST HALF
Pineda forced a turnover near the top of the box before slotting a shot into the right corner of the net for his first goal of the season. The goal was unassisted. Both teams' offenses were on full display in the half, as there were 14 combined shots, eight of them by the Matadors. The game was very physical, with both teams committing seven fouls in the half.
Solorzano buried a penalty kick after the Eagles were whistled for a foul in the box. The goal doubled the Matadors' lead at the 40 minute mark.
SECOND HALF
Biola found more rhythm after halftime, generating 12 of its 18 shots in the second half. Midfielder Kyle Denn forced multiple saves from Drucks, while Luca McGreevey Couchman and Ryan Ellsworth each saw promising looks turned away. In the 74th minute, the Eagles had back-to-back attempts but Drucks had two tremendous saves in a row. The Eagles also earned three second-half corner kicks but couldn't capitalize.
Elijah Mineiro relieved starting goalkeeper Francesco Tricarico at halftime and stopped three shots to keep Biola within striking distance, while the Eagles' defense held CSUN scoreless after the break. Despite the late pressure, CSUN closed out the final minutes without conceding, sealing the shutout in front of the Matador faithful.
NOTES OF THE GAME
· CSUN is off to its best start since 2023, where the Matadors started 2-0-3.
· Drucks now has 19 saves on the year over three shutouts
· Pineda scored his first goal since Nov. 5 2022 at UC Riverside
· Solorzano scored his ninth career goal and first of 2025.
· Axel Agurcia led the way with 75 minutes.
ACCORDING TO HEAD COACH TERRY DAVILA
"When you come back from a road trip, the first game is always difficult. Biola made it difficult on us. They played well, we had some unnecessary turnovers, we were a little reckless with the ball, and we weren't as sharp as we would like to be. You got to tip your hat to Biola, they competed well. Dorian had another outstanding game, I wish we would have started him sooner, but I am glad the work he put in during the offseason is paying off."
UP NEXT
CSUN will play host to Seattle University, Thursday September 4 at Matador Soccer Field. Kick-off is slated for 7:00 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Team Stats
Enrique Pineda (1)
15 forced turnover, dribbled to left top of the box, hit the right corner of the net.
15:54
Jorge Solorzano
CSUN Jorge Solorzano PENALTY KICK GOAL.
39:03
