CSUN Drops Exhibition Match to Trinity Western

Thursday, August 6

Northridge, Calif.

7:00 p.m.

California State University at Northridge

Trinity Western

Photo by: Chuck Marvel

CSUN Drops Exhibition Match to Trinity Western

8/6/2026 10:02:00 PM | Women's Soccer

NORTHRIDGE, Calif.---CSUN Women's Soccer opened up the fall season with an exhibition match against Trinity Western University as the Matadors fell 3-2 on Thursday at Matador Soccer Field. Lia Peterson and Veronica Toscano each scored goals for CSUN.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The two sides traded goals in the opening five minutes of action in a fast start to the matchup. The Spartans jumped in front on a strike from Lianna Holz in the fifth minute, but the Matadors responded less than 30 seconds later when Peterson broke down the defense and scored for CSUN on a drive up the field. The Matador defense withstood a series of attacks from the Spartans while goalkeeper Hayden Mauldin made three saves in the opening period of action. However, Trinity Western reclaimed the lead in the 36th minute when Kate Paukovic found the net after a deep shot from near 25 yards.

Early in the second half, the Spartans extended their lead to 3-1 after a Mansha Sidhu goal in the 56th minute. CSUN would get a pair of looks at the net in the second half from reserves Paige Harris and Ireland Regan, but each attempt missed the frame.

The teams played a 30-minute extra period where the Matadors would cut the deficit in half. In the 106th minute, Alena Ramirez set up the play with a pass through the middle of the field to Toscano. After a pair of dribbles, Toscano found room and struck the net from the left wing, pulling CSUN to within 3-2. The Matadors nearly found the equalizer late in the match as freshman Jana Akins stormed to the goal after a turnover, but the Spartan defense recovered to prevent a shot attempt inside the box.

NOTES OF THE GAME

Trinity Western led in the shot count, 16-10 while the Spartans had a slight 4-3 edge in corner kicks. Each side had seven shots on goal.
Akins and Toscano had two shots each to lead CSUN.
Three Matador goalkeepers competed in the match. Mauldin played 61-plus minutes in front of the net, posting three saves.

UP NEXT
After a full week of preparation, CSUN returns to the field for its season opener as the Matadors travel to Boise State on Thursday, Aug. 12. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. PT.

#GoMatadors