Ball State University
3-1-1
Cal State Northridge
3-1-1
Soccer Falls to Cal State Northridge, 1-0
September 03, 2016 | Soccer
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. -- The Ball State soccer team suffered its first loss of the season Friday night with a 1-0 defeat at Cal State Northridge.
Bethany Fitzsimmons' goal for Matadors (3-1-1) in the first half was the only score of the night. Ball State (3-1-1) was playing its first road game of the year.
Ball State got off to a slow start offensively with just one shot attempt in the first half. The Cardinals generated nine attempts in the second half but could not find the equalizing goal.
"We gave up a goal in the first half, which we couldn't dig back from," Ball State coach Craig Roberts said. "I thought we responded very well in the second half. We came back out and gave a lot more positive performance. We were unfortunate not to break through."
CSUN's Jovani McCaskill made three saves to post a clean sheet, snapping Ball State's streak of 17 consecutive regular season games without being shut out.
Tristin Stuteville started in goal for the Cardinals and made five saves of her own. The only goal she surrendered came when Fitzimmons went sliding to knock in a cross in the 35th minute.
"Cal State Northridge is a fast team with good athletes," Roberts said. "We were really tested in regard to compensating for their speed, which I think will prove a good learning experience. I don't think we'll meet a team that's much faster than they are."
Emily Scott and Mónica Padilla led Ball State offensively with two shots each.
The Cardinals will remain in California to conclude their weekend Sunday at 11 a.m. PT (2 p.m. ET) at Loyola Marymount.
Team Stats
Fitzsimmons, Bethany (1)
Assisted By: Watson, Camille , Trinh, Sylvia
cross to near post, 26 fires in sliding
34:59
