With their fifth trip to the Big West postseason tournament, the Matadors clinched it’s first victory with a 1-0 defeat over Cal Poly to advance to first-ever championship match. Northridge then won the tournament title with an early OT goal by senior Melissa Fernandez for the programs first title and automatic berth to the NCAA tournament.
The Matadors fell to first round opponent San Diego State (0-3) to end their season and a farewell match for nine seniors. Overall Northridge posted a 11--5-6 (.636) record, their best finish since 2005 (12-5-3).
The Matadors finished ranked both in the Big West and nationally. In Big West all-time records, they are tied for fifth with 11 shutouts on the season. Nationally they are ranked No. 17 in goals-against average (.636), 2nd in save percentage (.886) and No. 29 in shutout percentage (.500).
3-PEAT FOR POSTSEASON BERTH
Long Beach State was announced first in matchups at the NCAA Watch Party for their third-consecutive trip to the postseason. While missing the conference tournament, the 49er’s impressed with a strong preseason appearance.
Last season Long Beach made it to the Elite Eight, but fell in the first round this season to future league foe San Diego State, 2-1. The 49er’s ended overall 12-8-0, with head coach Mauricio Ingrassia collecting his 100th career win.
LEAVING A LEGACY
Two seniors finish their four-year career posting records in the all-time Big West record book.
Goalkeeper Cynthia Jacobo finished the season with second-most saves (106), first in goals-against average (.58) and first in minutes (2033). Each one also clinched her a spot in the all-time records. In Big West all-time career records Jacobo finishes ranked eight in saves (282), tied for fourth in shutouts (27) and seventh in goalie minutes (6057).
Long Beach State’s Nadia Link finished her final season with a single game high in assist (3), most shots (80) and leading the league with 9 assists on the season. In her career Link has made the top-10 in numerous categories, ranked tied for 10 in assists (20), tied fourth with 13 game-winning goals and eighth in shots made (210).
BROWN REACHES A
This year’s Big West Coach of the Year, head coach of Cal State Fullerton, Demian Brown achieved his 50th career win in their semifinal win over UC Irvine in this season’s Big West Tournament.