In a flash, the season has come and is just about gone for the Cal State Northridge women’s soccer team, as only two games remain on the schedule, both at home. With a disappointing 1-4-1 record in the Big West, the Matadors chances to make the playoffs are slim even if they win their final two conference games. But for senior forward/midfielder Kristy Krohn, the final stretch of games is more than just a push for the playoffs. It’s a farewell to the school where she’s played soccer for four seasons.

Krohn was born and raised in Northridge and attended Los Angeles Baptist High School before attending CSUN. Her choice to go to college locally wasn’t necessarily her number one wish, but for Krohn, it was the comfortable choice. She played club soccer right here in the San Fernando Valley for the Valley United Stars, under coach Terry Davila, the current men’s soccer coach at CSUN. At the time of Krohn’s decision to attend Northridge, Davila and his staff coached both the men’s and women’s programs, so the transition for her would be easy. Davila’s record with the Stars was an amazing 314-25-21.

“Knowing Terry and how great of a coach he is made my decision so much easier,” Krohn said. “I’m definitely happy I made the choice I did.”

Fitting in to the college lifestyle, and more importantly, on the soccer field was easy for Krohn, who says it was definitely intimidating. The upperclassman on the soccer team were very welcoming to her, Krohn said. The more difficult aspect of the transition was the workload. Besides juggling a full load of classes, Krohn was practicing, playing games and weightlifting all week long. This was the biggest adjustment she would have to make, as the college game demanded more physically than anything else she had ever experienced.

Krohn has obviously adjusted well, as she now ranks third on the Northridge all-time career goals list with 16, is third on the all-time shots list with 125, is fourth in the all-time points list, and is sixth on the all-time assists list. As one of the upperclassmen on the team, Krohn is also one of the leaders and she relishes the opportunity to lead the younger players, not just physically, but mentally as well. She says it’s her job to stay focused and to help the younger players get through the ups and downs of a season.

“There’s added pressure as far as being the mature one, especially with this season,” Krohn said. “I hate to lose, so I have to keep thinking about what I’m doing to help the younger players get through it.”

This season, Krohn has started in every game and has two goals and two assists. She leads the team in shots taken with 29 and is a co-leader in shots on goal with 11.

Krohn’s time at Northridge is slowly dwindling, but for a senior who’s on her way out, a final stretch of four home games in the city she grew up in isn’t a bad way to end it all.

“Having a home game is the best thing for our team because on the road you face so many different challenges,” Krohn said. “To have the opportunity to play in front of your loved ones, it’s inspiring. So to end on a four game home stand?honestly, there’s nothing else you could ask for.”

Krohn’s roommate, senior midfielder Susie Mischenko is on the same ride. The two have played together for four straight seasons and the two will say goodbye to collegiate soccer together.

“As a roommate, we’re able to go through things together,” Krohn said. “I could not have asked for a better roommate. On the soccer field, she’s a great teammate, she’s got your back.”

Krohn is as competitive and as tough as they come out on the soccer field, She’s quick and feisty, and wants nothing to do with losing she says. Head coach Keith West says she’s the type of player who leaves her heart out on the field.

“She’s awesome,” West said. “She plays with a lot of heart and passion. She’s one of the leaders of this team.”

Although it’s almost time for her to exit the collegiate soccer scene, she seems to be doing it gracefully, remaining grateful for every chance she has been given.

“I’m blessed with every opportunity, so every chance I get I try and make the most of it,” Krohn said. “You never know when your last game could be.”

Hopefully, for the girl who played soccer golf with her brother because she couldn’t get enough of the sport, her departure will have to wait. If the Matadors can make a magical run to squeeze into the playoffs, her fans and teammates will be happy to hold off their goodbyes.

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