The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

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Matadors lose for fifth straight time

After taking an early 1-0 lead, the Cal State Northridge women’s soccer team allowed three straight unanswered goals to conference opponent Long Beach State to lose their fifth in a row, and remain winless in three conference games this season. The 3-1 loss dropped the Matadors’ record to 2-9-1 overall and 0-3 in the Big West Conference.

Junior forward Carrie Faith Murphy gave the Matadors a rare first half lead just two minutes into the game, on a goal assisted by senior midfielder Kristy Krohn. The assist gave Krohn her 38th career point, moving her into fourth place on the all-time points list.

However, the excitement stopped there. The 49ers quickly put themselves on the board in the 16th minute, tying the game 1-1. The goal was scored on a header by Long Beach freshman midfielder Lindsay Bullock.

The two teams came into the second half all square and the Matadors were in the rare position of trying to take the lead, rather than trying to catch it. And, although they did give themselves opportunities early in the second half, it was familiar territory for the Matadors, as the opposition scored first and took the 2-1 lead in the 51st minute.

Junior forward Sahar Haghdan was the goal scorer for the 49ers, scoring what proved to be the game-winning goal. Long Beach State would add one more goal late in the game, when junior midfielder Kim Silos took a long shot that found the back of the net over Matadors’ sophomore goalkeeper Kellie Drenner. The win improved the 49ers record to 10-4-0 overall, and 3-0 in the Big West.

The Matadors finished with 12 shots in the game, compared to 14 by the 49ers. Murphy felt her team had good chances from those shots, but just couldn’t get the ball between the posts.

“We need to capitalize on our opportunities and find the back of the net,” Murphy said.

Despite the loss, Murphy remained optimistic about her teammates and their playoff chances.

“We’re always positive,” Murphy said. “We’ve just got to keep our heads up because we see that we still have a chance (to make the playoffs).”

Although the Matadors’ 0-3 conference record has them sitting at the bottom of the Big West with five conference games still remaining on the schedule, it’s not too late to make an overdue run at the playoffs, said head coach Keith West.

“Five wins, 15 points – we’re in it,” West said, “So we’re still in (the playoff race) by all means.”

The Matadors will make their final road trip of the regular season this weekend to play UC Riverside on Oct. 19 at 3 p.m. and Cal State Fullerton on Oct. 21 at 6 p.m.

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