CSUN's Season Ends in First Round of Big West Championship

Wednesday, November 4

Fullerton, Calif.

6:00 p.m.

California State University at Northridge

6-9-6, 4-4-3

(3) Cal State Fullerton

11-3-6, 7-1-3

Team	1	2	Final F
CSUN	0	0	0
Cal St. Fullerton	1	1	2

Photo by: Big West

11/4/2026 9:06:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

NORTHRIDGE, Calif.---Sixth-seeded CSUN dropped a 2-0 decision to third-seeded Cal State Fullerton in a first round match of the Big West Women's Soccer Championship at Titan Stadium. The Matadors outshot the Titans on the night but could not break through offensively down the stretch of the match. The trio of Yasmin Azar, Lia Peterson and Jordyn Canister each finished with a team-high four shots.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Titans broke through early against the Matador defense in the 14th minute, as a drive from the right side of the box led to the scoring chance. Sasha Amezcua delivered a cross to the six yard line where Sail Bozinovic hit a left-footed tapper through a diving Hayden Mauldin and into the net. Fullerton nearly doubled its lead in the 20th minute after Cayla Oliveira struck the crossbar on a shot from the left side. Six of the Titans' seven shots of the first half came in the first 26 minutes of action, but CSUN stayed within striking distance. The Matadors generated five attempts in the first half with Yasmin Azar putting the only shot on frame.

In the second half, the Matadors turned the tables, generating a host of offensive attacks on the Titans' net. Harper Curnutt and Canister each missed high to start the half while Peterson was wide left in the 58th minute. In perhaps the closest call of the game, Michelle Monroy set up Peterson with a well-executed cross from the right corner. Peterson flicked a header at the net, but goalkeeper Allison Craycroft managed to get a hand on the ball to deny the equalizer. Still a 1-0 game until the 72nd minute, Fullerton picked up a crucial insurance goal off the foot of Mia LaRosa. On the play, a cross to LaRosa in front of the net nearly was stopped by Monroy near the goal line, but the ball managed to trickle into the net for a 2-0 Titan lead. Despite the deficit, the Matadors pressed on and picked up two later corner kicks, however, a goal was not in the cards.

NOTES OF THE GAME

CSUN wraps up the 2026 season with a 6-9-6 overall record.
Cal State Fullerton impoves to 11-3-6 overall and will play UC San Diego in a Big West semifinal match on Saturday.
The Matadors led the shot count 16-10, including finishing with a 11-3 edge in the second half.
CSUN also held a 6-4 advantage in corner kicks.
Mauldin collected a save in front of the goal.
The group of Keilani Claiborne, Sydney Lipkin, Azar, Peterson and Monroy played the full 90 minutes.
Picked to finish eighth in the Big West Preseason Coaches' Poll, the Matadors advanced to the Big West Championship tournament for the second straight season.

ACCORDING TO COACH GINA BREWER
"An unfortunate loss, 2-0. I felt we didn't play our best soccer in the first half, but in the second half, I think we really came out and showed what we're capable of. We were pushing hard to get that goal when it was 1-0, unfortunately, we couldn't just get it in the back of the net. We outshot them 16-10, but there were three shots on goal for both teams. We had our chances, but we had to be a little more clinical at the net. Unfortunately, conceding that goal in the 71st minute gave them that 2-0 lead. We were trying to push at the end, but just couldn't find the back of the net. Overall, very proud of our CSUN Matador team to get here to the sixth spot of the tournament. Last year, we graduated 10 seniors, so we had a very young team this year, and we're very proud of their efforts."

POSTGAME VIDEO WITH GINA BREWER

#GoMatadors