The Matadors (5-8-1, 0-2-1) lost 0-1 to the Cal Poly Mustangs (6-7-0, 2-1-0) Thursday night after they tied with Cal State Fullerton on Sunday.

The first quarter of the match had both teams’ defenses on display led by senior defender, Chloe McDaniel, who had several crucial clearances.

“Our defensive shape looked good overall but we need to work on being more physical,” said McDaniel. “Not letting Elsie Krieghoff score, one of the nation’s leaders, was a minor achievement.”

CSUN had two good opportunities in the first 20 minutes from the top of the box set up by great midfield play but both shots barely sailed over the crossbar.

The Mustangs struck first blood after a cross from Sara Epps and a finishing header into the top left corner by Kendra Bonsall in the 28th minute went right through the heart of the Matador defense.

Cal Poly then controlled the tempo and proceeded to sit on the ball maintaining possession heading into the final minutes of the half but not before freshman defender Camille Watson broke off a run down the right side which led to a CSUN corner but was unsuccessful.

Northridge opened the second half with a quick counter attack but sophomore forward Lyndsey Preston’s shot on goal went straight to the keeper.

The Matadors had another good opportunity in the second half when the Mustang goalie came out of the box on a long pass and bobbled the ball right to the Matadors but they couldn’t capitalize as the shot was blocked.

CSUN had seven shots to Cal Poly’s six, but they couldn’t find the back of the net.

“We’ve got to find consistency,” said head coach Keith West. “We need to be as good as we can be and bring our A-game.”

The Matadors have dropped two out of their last three and currently stand eighth in the Big West Conference.

CSUN’s next match will be at home vs UC Santa Barbara on Sunday at 4 p.m.