CSUN and Fresno State Battle to 1-1 Draw

NORTHRIDGE, CA---

CSUN Women's Soccer (2-0-3) rallied from a halftime deficit to earn a 1-1 draw with Fresno State on Thursday evening at Matador Soccer Field. Cynthia Sanchez netted her 19th career goal to move into second place on the Matadors' all-time career scoring list while Sylvia Trinh entered the school's Top 10 assist list with her 10th career helper. With the draw, the Matadors stretched their unbeaten streak to five matches to start a season for just the second time in program history and for the first time in 16 years.

"We have to be more consistent when we open up games," said head coach Keith West. "Fresno State did a good job, they scored a good goal but we didn't do our job on defense in that moment. Overall, I thought we played well defensively and we played tough. [After the goal] our offense got going and started making plays. But we have to me more consistent over the 90 minutes and not take breaks."

The Bulldogs found success in the Matadors' half of the field in the early going of the match. Anna Crawford put Fresno State's first shot on frame in the eight minute and Julia Glaser later roped a shot just wide left of the net. Fresno State would take the lead in the 16th minute as Myra Delgadillo found Kaitlyn Crooker inside the Matadors' box. Dribbling away from the defense, Crooker went one on one with Jovani McCaskill before rifling a shot off the senior's hands and into the net.

Trailing by a goal, the Matadors went on the attack for the remainder of the half. Cynthia Sanchez narrowly evened the game in the 21st minute off a run but goalkeeepr Nicole Theroux made a diving save going to her left. CSUN earned double digit shots in the opening period, outshooting the Bulldogs 10-3 including earning three corner kick opportunities. Amy Aquino recorded the Matadors' last shot of the first half that Theroux saved at the net.

CSUN's pressure would finally pay off in the second half. In the 57th minute, following a Bulldog foul, the Matadors moved the ball up the field toward the left corner. Marissa Favela found a streaking Sylvia Trinh down the sidelines who delivered a cross to Cynthia Sanchez inside the box. Sanchez deposited a shot just inside the left post to even the game at 1-1.

Fresno State looked to answer back in the 76th minute as Crooker sent a shot from inside 18 yards but McCaskill batted away the attempt. Later in the period, the Matadors received an opportunity to take a late lead with under four minutes to play after a Fresno State foul was committed inside the CSUN box. Marissa Favela took the penalty shot but Theroux dove to her left and made a stop to keep the game tied.

After 90 hard-fought minutes, the teams continued to battle into extra time. Playing in their fourth overtime in five matches this season, the Matadors again earned chances at the net in the waining moments of the match. Sylvia Trinh sent a shot just wide of the net from outside 20 yards in the first overtime and Sydney GIlbert put a shot on frame in the 104th minute.

In perhaps the closest call of the evening, Sanchez had a breakaway look at the net with Theroux momentarily out of position. Instead, Sanchez's attempt smacked off the right post. CSUN registered four of its 11 corner kicks in the second overtime but was unable to punch home the winning strike.

In all, the Matadors outshot Fresno State 16-8 and posted an 11-4 advantage in corner kicks. The teams finished with five shots on goal each for the match. A total of five yellow cards were issued to the Bulldogs including two to Sara Jo Ciappoini. Lindsay Kutscher and Destinney Duron also saw yellow cards on the night.

Moving up to second place on the Matadors' career scoring list, Sanchez's 19th career goal ties her with Erin Broadwell (1998-01). Sanchez now needs three goals to tie all-time scoring leader Farryn Townley (2006-10). Trinh's 10th career assist moves her into a five-way tie for seventh place on the Matadors' career assist list.

The Matadors open up a four-game road trip at Colorado on Saturday afternoon. Kick off is slated for noon.

CSUN and Fresno State Battle to 1-1 Draw

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Team Stats

Cynthia Sanchez

Sylvia Trinh

Marissa Favela

Amy Aquino

Players Mentioned

Amy Aquino

Destinney Duron

Marissa Favela

Lindsay Kutscher

Jovani McCaskill

Cynthia Sanchez

Sylvia Trinh