Redhawk Women's Soccer Falls on the Road at CSU Northridge

In their final road contest of the 2010 campaign, the Seattle University women's soccer team dropped a 3-1 decision at Cal State Northridge Sunday afternoon. The Redhawks were unable to carry the momentum of their double overtime thriller on Friday into the contest, despite late second half efforts to even the game. With the loss, Seattle U drops to 10-6-2, while Northridge improves to 12-8 on the year.

"We did not have our best game," said head coach Julie Woodward. "We created more opportunities for ourselves in the second half, but we were unable to finish them. I am happy to have one more game at home and hope to finish the season on a positive note."

The Matadors' offense quickly took control of the game, as they had a 1-0 advantage less 10 minutes into the contest. Melissa Fernandez sent in a shot that Redhawk goalkeeper Madison Goverde (Snohomish, Wash.) was able to get her gloves on, but was not able to control. An oncoming Farryn Townley followed through on Fernandez's saved shot to send in the game-opening goal from two yards out at the 8:55 minute mark.

After allowing the early goal, the Redhawks went on to tally six shots in the half, with five of them on frame. Despite seeing several looks at the goal, they were unable to even the score heading into halftime.

In the second half, the Seattle U offense came out a little flat before getting in sync. Twelve minutes into second period action, Mary Hill (Mercer Island, Wash.) sent in a shot, but it went wide of the goal. Three minutes late Emma Levy (Sammamish, Wash.) followed up with a shot on frame, but CSUN's second half goalkeeper Hayley Hawes was able to save it.

In the 66th minute the Matadors took the ball into the Redhawk end of the field. Marie Hirsch crossed the ball into box, finding Brittanie Sakajian. Sakajian received the ball in front of the net and shot in what would be the game-winning goal.

A fighting Seattle U squad, did not let their two goal deficit stymie their efforts. SU sent in four shots the following 10 minutes before they had their biggest offensive break. CSU Northridge committed a foul in the box setting up a Redhawk penalty kick. Freshman Julie Besagno (Maple Valley, Wash.) took the penalty kick in the 77th minute and was successful in her attempt. The goal was not only her first career penalty kick, but also her first career goal.

Seattle U worked to even the score behind a trio of shots, but the Northridge defense did not allow the Redhawks to find an opening. As the game clock ticked closer to the 90 minute mark, Sakajian received a cross from Marisa Miller at 89:15 to score her second goal in the game and conclude the contest.

SU will conclude the 2010 season on Saturday, Nov. 6, in a 1 p.m. match versus Cal State Bakersfield. Prior to the match, Seattle U will recognize the careers of the graduating senior class.