FULLERTON, Calif. – Rebecca Wilson netted her 16th goal of the season in the 73rd minute of action to lift the Cal State Fullerton women's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over conference foe Cal State Northridge Sunday evening.
The Titans (13-2-1, 5-1-0 BWC), who are currently in first in the Big West Conference, helped their cause for a spot in the conference tournament with a victory over second-place CSUN (10-7-1, 3-2-1 BWC).
Wilson made her only shot of the contest count, as she drove a pass from Christina Burkenroad into the right back corner of the net at 72:25. With 16 goals on the year, Wilson is just one score away from moving into second place in the Cal State Fullerton single-season record book. Additionally, the redshirt senior forward has now racked up 31 goals in her career to rank third all-time at CSUF.
The goal would prove to be the game-winner as redshirt junior goalkeeper Jennifer Stuart (11-0-0) held the Matadors scoreless for her sixth shutout of the year and 11th win of the season. The product out of Cave Creek, Ariz., is now 23-5-2 on her career and is just one win away from tying for second place in the Cal State Fullerton career annals.
The Titans started out strong as they out-shot Cal State Northridge 9-2 in the first period. Fullerton also held the edge in corner kicks during the frame (2-0). Despite the many shots taken, the Titans were unable to hit the back of the net as CSUN's keeper, Cynthia Tafoya (7-7-1), tallied four saves in the first period.
Half way through the contest a momentum shift was evident as the Matadors began to take more shots. Northridge hit seven shots in the second half as it out-shot the Titans who recorded five. However, Stuart continued her solid play at the net and notched five saves – one for every shot taken – to keep the shutout intact.
With both keepers defending the net well, the Titans got a second wind and Wilson, who had remained relatively quiet all evening, struck.
Holding a 1-0 advantage, the Titans' defense did a good job of shutting down the Matadors and not allowing them to score, despite some close calls late in the game. Stuart stayed stout and collected six saves on the evening en route to preserving the victory and shutout.
Cal State Fullerton will be back in action on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m., when the Titans host UC Santa Barbara. The contest will be televised on ESPN3, while live stats and audio will be available on FullertonTitans.com. Prior to the match, the Titans will honor the four members of the 2015 senior class.
