Led by CSUN senior forward Carlos Gonzales, the Matadors (2-3-1) were able to snap their four-game winless streak with a 4-1 win against the Saint Mary’s College Gaels (3-4).

The victory not only gave the Matadors their first win in nearly three weeks, but it also was the Gaels’ first loss at home this season.

After SMC junior defender Rafael Sanchez gave them an early lead in the 23rd minute, the Matadors relied on their impressive defensive play from the previous two games to comeback and beat the Gaels.

It would take the Matadors less than four minutes to answer back, after CSUN sophomore forward Jeremy Degraffenreidt was fouled in the box, redshirt senior Trevor Morley was able to even the score off a penalty kick.

From there on, momentum would stay on CSUN’s side.

The Matadors would go on to take the lead at the 31st minute as Gonzales would score his first goal of his hat trick with a header assisted by sophomore forward Dean Wright and sophomore defender Kevin Martinez.

Gonzales would go on to get his second goal of the game 24 seconds later, with a close range shot after a cross from Wright.

CSUN would take a 3-1 lead heading into halftime.

While the Matadors were clicking on the offensive side, they would have to rely on their defense for the second half.

SMC put pressure on the Matadors defense as they took nine shots in the second half for a total of 14 for the game and had seven on goal.

Meanwhile CSUN only took nine shots with six of those being on goal.

The Gaels also had the advantage in corner kicks as they had a total of eight, compared to the Matadors with one.

Although SMC had the advantage in shots taken, CSUN senior goalkeeper Adam Hobbs managed to minimize the threats as he had six saves, four of those coming in the second half.

With those saves, Hobbs moved into eighth in school history with 152.

At the 87th minute Gonzales would score the final goal and earn his first career hat trick, sealing the win for the Matadors.

The Matadors will look to carry their momentum when they play in their second of three road games against the University of Santa Clara Broncos this Sunday at 1 p.m.