Northridge Goes Under in Overtime, 2-1

NORTHRIDGE — It was thought Cal State Northridge had improved its women’s soccer talent after winning only four matches in 1996.

If so, it didn’t show Friday night when the Matadors, depleted by injuries and ineligibility, lost to Division II Grand Canyon, 2-1, in sudden death overtime in the opener at North Campus Stadium.

Danielle Albano lifted the Antelopes to victory in the 118th minute when she booted a 40-yard direct kick over a crowd in the Northridge penalty area and into the far side of the goal.

“We just didn’t have any depth,” Matador Coach Brian Wiesner said. “We ran out of gas and broke down.”

Northridge, a Division I school, was weakened before the match by the absence of injured forward Amy Gill and academically ineligible midfielder Riya Gough.

The losses meant the Matadors had an inordinate number of errant passes and unforced turnovers.

“Amy and Riya are our two best ball-handlers and when they’re out, we don’t yet know each other well enough to compensate,” Wiesner said.

Northridge suffered another loss late in the match when midfielder Karla Jara suffered an ankle injury and did not return.

Grand Canyon opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Cindy Hallas collected a deflected ball and lofted a shot over Matador goalkeeper Tawni Takagi from 15 yards.

Northridge tied the match in the 29th minute when, following consecutive crosses by Marilyn Huschka and Jennifer Barnes, Beth Hoiby scored from five yards after a goalmouth scramble.