Although the Cal State Northridge women’s soccer team, (8-2-1) will play just one match this weekend, they will face a hot team in Long Beach State (9-4-0). The 49ers have won seven of their last eight matches and remain in first place in the Big West with a 2-0 conference record.

The Matador’s lead the all-time series, 5-4-1 and have beaten Long Beach State two straight times. The Matador’s dropped their first two conference games, at UC Davis 2-1 and at Pacific 2-1 (overtime). Currently on a four game losing streak, the Matadors’ only two victories were in mid-September, over Baylor and Hawaii.

CSUN has been outscored by opponents 25-9 on the season and have had much of their troubles come in the first half, being outscored 15-3 in the first 45 minutes of games this season. The Matadors have taken 110 shots this season, compared to 128 by their opponents. CSUN’s shot percentage is just .082, compared to .195 by opponents.

Senior midfielder Susie Mischenko (three goals) and freshman forward Salma Tarik (two goals and two assists) lead the team on offense with a total of six points apiece.

Sophomore goalkeeper Kellie Drenner has 36 saves this season and reserve goalie, freshman Ivette Esqueda has 6 saves.

The 49ers have won their first two conference matches, at Pacific 3-2 and at UC Davis 1-0. Long Beach will finish up its three-game road trip with this weekend’s game in Northridge.

Long Beach sustained injuries to two of their starters in their game against Pacific last weekend. Freshman defender Grace Shevlin, and leading goal scorer, freshman forward Kristen Kiefer, both suffered ankle injuries and after being re-evaluated this week, are questionable for Sunday’s match.

Junior Kim Silos leads the 49ers with 17 total points (five goals, seven assists) and junior goalkeeper Liz Ramos boasts a 0.75 goals against average.

The game will be played Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Matador Soccer Field.

Do you have more to say than a comment? Want any feedback from the writer? Story ideas? Click on The Gripevine.