The Cal State Northridge women’s soccer team (3-5) will play host to the University of Hawaii this Friday, looking to bounce back from a couple of defeats last weekend in New Mexico.
After suffering heart-wrenching losses to stiff competition, the Matadors hope to get back into the win column this week. Having a few days to recover from all of the traveling could help CSUN against Hawaii.
Northridge should have a decent shot at getting a victory, seeing that Hawaii has not been very impressive so far this season. Hawaii is 1-4-1 and is currently on a four game road trip against Calif. schools, CSUN being the third game.
The Matadors played well during the New Mexico Nike Classic Tournament, but they still have many areas to improve upon.
“There are a lot of things that we have to work on. They just have to commit to doing it,” head coach Keith West said.
One of the areas that certainly needs to be addressed is the goalkeeping situation. The Matadors have used all three goalies over the last three games, changing them intermittently. Last year’s starting goalie Leah Elliot has struggled thus far, giving up 11 goals in only six games.
This has given the opportunity to both Kellie Drenner and Haley Hawes to log some playing time in goal. Drenner played the whole game against Kent State on Sunday, giving up only one goal in overtime. Coach West has made it very clear that the position is up for grabs and is looking for some consistency at the position. Expect either Drenner or Elliot to get the start this Friday.
On offensive the Matadors team is talented. Forward Heidi Farran and junior midfielder Sonia Espitia have played extremely well this year, with three goals and seven points between them. Forward Niki Connolly has also made a name for herself, but the main contributor offensively this year has been forward Farryn Townley. She leads the team with three goals and five points on the season, and has made plays in clutch situations.
Following the game against Hawaii, the Matadors will have a week off before they will host one of the best teams in the country, UCLA, next Friday. After that game, conference play will begin, as CSUN will go on the road for four games over the course of nine days.
