With a little bit of luck CSUN was able to defeat Pepperdine for the first time in school history 2-1 Friday night at Matador Field.
In the 88th minute of regulation with the game tied at 1, Wave defender Kelsea Smith mistakenly knocked the ball into her own net, giving the Matadors their second straight victory.
The Waves now lead the all-time series over Northridge (2-2) 7-1-2.
Pepperdine forward Anisa Guajardo took first blood by scoring an unassisted goal in the second half at the 65th minute of regulation. Off a rebound, Guajardo received possession of the ball in front of the Matadors net and took a shot at point blank range leaving the 462 Matador fans in attendance in silence.
CSUN’s senior forward Farryn Townley was not worried about the Pepperdine goal.
“It’s one goal, we had 20 minutes left. We were not discouraged, we definitely knew we were going to get back,” Townley said.
The Matadors did at the 72nd minute of regulation when midfielder Sonia Espitia and forward Brittanie Sakajian assisted Farryn Townley, who scored the game-tying goal. With time running out both teams boosted their adrenaline and rallied back and forth fighting for the next goal that would keep the game from going to overtime.
Head coach Keith West seemed delighted of his team’s performance.
“The first 15 or 20 minutes of this game is the best soccer we’ve played all year. I think it’s the best soccer we have played in Northridge history, I’m proud of that and that’s what I’m happy about,” West said.
CSUN finished the game with 14 shots compared to Pepperdine’s 19. Also the Waves ended with four corner kicks to the Matadors zero. CSUN goalkeeper Cynthia Jacobo gave up one goal and finished with seven saves in the game, which is a season high. Pepperdine goalkeeper Roxanne Barker finished with six saves.
Sunday the Matadors will travel down Interstate 405 to face No. 11 UCLA at Drake Stadium, the game will start at 1.p.m.
“I’m pretty amped,” Espitia said. “We’re on our way in the season, it started off shaky but we regained our self and hopefully we can come out with another win on Sunday.”
Game Notes:
With the goal against the Waves, Farryn Townley marks her 17th career goal and is now tied with Brianna Monka for third most goal’s in CSUN women’s soccer history.
