Ass’ad Finds Little to Like in 3-0 Defeat

DOMINGUEZ HILLS — The slumping Cal State Northridge men’s soccer team was sloppy and ineffective Thursday, losing, 3-0, to Cal State Dominguez Hills.

“We were lackadaisical, we had no motivation, no desire,” Northridge Coach Marwan Ass’ad said grimly. “Instead of playing simple, we lose the ball trying to make great plays.”

Northridge (1-3-1) last fall experienced its first losing season since 1982, and Ass’ad brought in 16 freshmen with hope of starting over. On Thursday, however, the team looked sluggish and inept, consistently turning the ball over to the Division II Toros (2-2).

Dominguez Hills struck first, scoring in the 33rd minute. Robert Helms’ shot squirted through the hands of freshman goalie Zoltan Nagy, whose status as a high-profile recruit has dissolved with his inconsistent play.

Mike Hall scored the last two goals for Dominguez Hills in the 80th and 87th minutes.

“We didn’t press [Dominguez Hills] hard enough in the midfield and that resulted in some unfortunate goals,” Northridge senior sweeper Chuck Gordon said. “We’re having mental breakdowns and people aren’t hustling like they should.”