NORTHRIDGE — The UCSB Women’s Soccer team traveled to Northridge Thursday and came away with its first Big West win of the year with a 2-0 shutout of the Matadors.
In just the second minute, the Gauchos (2-6-4, 1-1-1) scored their first goal thanks to Gia Cimring. The sophomore from Los Altos kicked the ball into the top right corner of the net off a free kick from Krysten Vasquez to put her team up 1-0 from the start.
With the Matadors (2-10-1, 0-3-1) chasing and the Gauchos having control for most of the game, UCSB was able to grow its lead by one more. Sophomore Meg Burling headed the ball into the net off a great ball from Shaye Douglas. With this goal, Burling registered her fourth goal of the season and put her team up by two heading into the half.
Once both teams returned to the field for the final 45 minutes, the Gauchos kept their foot on the gas. Although they did not score any other goals, it wasn’t for a lack of trying. They put tremendous pressure on CSUN’s defense while earning six corner kicks in the second half alone. This aggressive style of play and the momentum from the first half gave the Gauchos the push they needed to win as they took their first Big West win of the season with a score of 2-0 over CSUN.
Evann Smith made two saves to record her second straight shutout with the help of the Gauchos’ defensive line.
UCSB showed its dominance on offense, ending the game with 14 shots compared to the Matadors’ four. UCSB had control of the ball 55 percent of the game compared to CSUN’s 45 percent, while also registering five more corner kicks than the Matadors.
The Gauchos will have one more road trip at Cal State-Bakersfield before making their way back to Harder Stadium next week. This Sunday’s game against the Roadrunners will kick off at 5 p.m.