Taylor Hobson scored her first career goal in the 84th minute to give visiting Cal State Northridge a 1-0 victory over UCSB on Sunday afternoon. The game was the Gauchos’ final home contest of the season.
Hobson’s goal at the 83:52 mark came from about 12 yards straight out in front of the goal. She took a feed from Chloe McDaniel and then beat UCSB goalkeeper Makenna Henry to her right for the only goal of the match.
Other than the goal, the match between the Matadors (6-4-5 overall, 3-1-1 in the Big West) and Gauchos (4-10-2 overall, 1-4-1 in the Big West) was virtually even. UCSB outshot Northridge 14-12, but the visitors had a 6-5 advantage in shots on goal.
The first half was particularly defensive. The most dangerous chance came in the 36th minute when Jessa Yukihiro took a pass from Hayley Greep, cracked a shot from from 20 yards out that hit the crossbar.
Santa Barbara’s two best chances to score came from Madison Beckley. In the 65th minute, she drove down the right side of the box and took a shot from 15 yards out that was saved by Matador goalkeeper Cynthia Jacobo. Jacobo couldn’t hold the ball and UCSB’s Sara Feder got her foot on a follow shot, but that too was saved by Jacobo.
In the 79th minute, Beckley took a header off of a nice pass from Miranda Cornejo, but the Northridge goalkeeper came up with another save.
Sunday’s match marked the final home appearance for three Gaucho seniors. Playing at Meredith Field at Harder Stadium for the final time were Erin Ortega, Dyanne Anderson and Lauren Kennedy.
UCSB will hit the road for its final three matches of the season. The first of the final three will be on Friday, Oct. 19 when the Gauchos travel to Cal State Fullerton for a 7:00 p.m. showdown with the Titans.
