NORTHRIDGE, Calif. -- Amara Soumah scored, but it wasn't enough as No. 5 Cal State Northridge beat the Titans, 2-1, in over time to claim the lead in the South Division of the Big West. The win moves the Matadors to 12-2-1, 4-1-1, while Fullerton falls to 6-7-1, 3-2-1 on the season.
"Disappointing as we had a great opportunity to beat a very good team tonight and take over sole possession of first. When you have the No. 5 team in the country on the ropes you need to knock them out," head coach Bob Ammann said.
Beto Velasquez scored in the 51st minute off passes from Brian Behrad and Sagi Lev-Ari as his shot glanced off the crossbar and into the net on the left side.
Soumah's shot came just over eight minutes later as he received a pass from Dyllan Stevens and Ian Ramos and drove a shot from the top left of the box and found the low back corner and the teams played to a regulation draw. After late-night video review, both Stevens and Ramos were credited with assists on the play and the updated statistics reflect this correction.
The Titans had an advantage throughout the second half as Trevor Morley was issued a red card and the Matadors played the final 35 minutes a man down.
"We squandered too many opportunities in the second half when the game was there to be taken. We'll put it quickly behind us and get ready for Riverside Saturday," Ammann finished.
David Turcious' bicycle golden goal came in the second minute of the first over time frame as he sent a cross from the center of the box passed Titan's keeper Bryan Escalante. On the match, Northridge outshot the Titans, 19-6, and had a 9-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Fullerton returns home to host UC Riverside on Saturday night at 7 p.m. in Titan Stadium.