NORTHRIDGE, Calif. – The CSUN men’s soccer team earned a hard-fought scoreless tie with No. 18 James Madison in the opening game of the 2024 season at Matador Soccer Field on Thursday night. Merrick Cook collected three saves for his first shutout of the year.
HOW IT HAPPENED
James Madison went on the offensive from the start, winning three corner kicks in the first five minutes of play. However, the Matadors withstood the attacking fire and did not allow a single shot until the 13th minute of play. From then on, CSUN turned the tables and became the aggressor. Siddiq Lezzar fired a shot on goal in the 15th minute, followed by missed shots from Arturo Reveles, Derek Jones, Jr. And Zack Harris.
Defense was the key throughout the game and neither team was able to get a lead on the scoresheet. Cook saved two shots late in the first half, including a save from Milo Wray in the box before pouncing on the loose ball to prevent any more scoring opportunities.
Merrick Cook comes across hugely (twice), so that it remains goalless. ??#GoMatadors pic.twitter.com/bPyqFxXQGF
— CSUN Men’s Soccer (@CSUNMensSoccer) 23 August 2024
The second half was a combative one, with seven cards being handed out to players from both teams. Shortly afterwards Enrique Pineda After a header nearly found the net, James Madison’s Evan Southern received a second yellow card and the Dukes were forced to play with one man less for the final 28 minutes. Marley Edwards produced another near-scoring opportunity in the 65th minute with a laser shot from the edge of the box that went high. The Matadors held the Dukes to just two shots while playing on the power play when James Madison took a late shot from Enrique Barelles that went just wide to the left.
GAME NOTES
- CSUN had more shots on goal in the game than James Madison (9-7), while the Dukes led in shots on goal 3-2.
- The Dukes had a 9-3 lead in corner kicks.
- A total of 10 cards were dealt in the game, with CSUN calling six of them.
- Pineda led CSUN with two shots, one of which was on goal.
- Both make their Matador debut, Juniors Jake Shaked And Siddiq Lezzar played the full 90 minutes in defense. David Garcia, Eyifehn Forfor, Ian Boras, Finn Werner And Boniface Fatohou also appeared with CSUN for the first time in this game.
ACCORDING TO COACH TERRY DAVILA
“When you play a team with the rich history of James Madison, who played in the Sweet Sixteen, they’re always going to be battle-tested and know how to play in big games. They played LMU in a Sweet Sixteen game last year and they’re not afraid to go on the road and impose their style on people. We knew we had to be a little better with the ball than we were last year, but our offensive third quality wasn’t at the level that would have allowed us to win. That comes last, we have to continue to get better and keep pushing, but as far as the structure of the team and the game principles that we want, the guys are starting to buy into it. I’m happy with that.”
CSUN Head Coach Terry Davila in today’s season opening game against James Madison.#GoMatadors pic.twitter.com/mhLTRRkV4u
— CSUN Men’s Soccer (@CSUNMensSoccer) 23 August 2024
MERRICK COOK’S POST-GAME COMMENTS
Second goalkeeper Merrick Cook to the shutout of CSUN to start the 2024 season.#GoMatadors pic.twitter.com/fJlMzSzgVM
— CSUN Men’s Soccer (@CSUNMensSoccer) 23 August 2024
Next
CSUN is on the road for the first time this season and will face No. 11 LMU on Sunday at 4 p.m.
#GoMatadors
