The Matadors (5-3-0) jumped out to a first half lead, but couldn’t hold on as they fell to the Wildcats 2-1 in double-overtime Sunday in Arizona.
Arizona (6-2-0) came out aggressive as they took six shots within the first 30 minutes of action, but were unable to get any past CSUN goalkeeper Leah Elliot. Five of the six shots were either wide or high of the net.
Northridge sophomore Farryn Townley opened the game’s scoring in the 33rd minute when she took a pass from senior Kristal Phillips and deposited it in the back of the net. It was Townley’s fourth goal of the season, and Phillips’ third assist.
Neither team would get much offense for the rest of the half, and Northridge went into the locker room with the one goal lead.
It didn’t take long for Arizona to respond after the second half got under way. Senior London King was able to tie to score up in the 49th minute with a goal that was assisted by freshman Amy Steiner and senior Brianna Caceres.
Three minutes later, the Wildcats were on the attack again, taking three quick shots at the net. However, one traveled high and Elliot was able to make the save on the other two to preserve the 1-1 tie.
In the 65th minute, Phillips had an opportunity to give the Matadors the lead again, but her shot was deflected and went off the goalpost. It was one of three shots taken by Phillips in the second half.
Northridge took some late second half shots, but Wildcat goalkeeper Chelsea McIntyre was able to make the saves needed to send the game into overtime.
The Matadors quickly came out in the extra period looking to put the game away, but back-to-back shots by freshmen Nancy Avesyan and Brielle Slepicoff were both saved by McIntyre, prolonging the game to a second overtime period.
London attempted to win the game in the 101st minute, but Elliot made the save, her fourth of the contest. In the 106th minute, however, Arizona freshman Renae Cuellar ended the game after McIntyre kicked the ball downfield and left her in position to make the winning score. It was her fifth goal of the season.
For the Matadors, it is their third loss in four games after starting the season 4-0. It was their third overtime game this season after splitting the first two.
Just two days after they managed only three shots against Arizona State, CSUN was able to get off 12 in this one. Avesyan led the team with four shots, while Phillips and Slepicoff had three each.
Northridge senior captain Nalena Betancourt and Wildcat team leader, forward Sally Thurner, each received a red card in the 73rd minute after getting into a skirmish. Both will receive a one-game suspension.
CSUN will take the pitch again Sunday as they return to Matador Soccer Field to host the San Francisco Dons. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
