Pepperdine’s women’s soccer felt a tough lost tonight against CSUN in Northridge after a deflection in the 88th minute put the Matadors up 2-1.
The two teams’ last meet in 2007 ended in a 3-1 victory for the Waves.
And even though it may not be reflected in the score the Waves out shot the Matadors 19-14 both landing 8 on goal but CSUN dominated the Waves in winning headers.
Tied 0-0 in the first half the Waves scored first in the 60th minute. After a collision with the goalie sophomore Anisa Guajardo recovered to slide it past 3 defenders and into the back of the net.
After capitalizing the Waves found a new energy pulling together their offense and connecting passes. After a missed free kick just outside of the box the Matadors rallied and scored a goal that was after the referees consulted called back.
Invigorated the Waves connected passes through the defense and junior Michelle Spacciapolli chipped the goalie and hit the crossbar. In an immediate counterattack CSUN capitalized from defensive disorganization and their power forward senior Farryn Townley put it in the back of the net.
Almost immediately CSUN forwards and midfields started finding the seams of the Waves defense and started getting into the box every play. As the Waves’ defense started breaking down the Matadors took shot after shot. In the 88th minute one of those shots deflected and landed in the back of the net an unfortunate goal against sophomore goalie Roxanne Barker.
Head coach Tim Ward said “I knew it would be tough going in. They outplayed us in the first 15 minutes.”
In their first 4 games of the season the Waves have given up four goals.
“Last year our strength was our defense and we had everyone return. We have to figure out why we are giving up goals Ward continued.
The Waves now return home on Sunday September 5th to face Detroit, followed by two more home games.
“We expect to win on our three game home streak Ward said.