Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Sonoma State University Athletics

Celebration on Van Wagoner's Goal
Andy Wilhelm
2
Winner Sonoma State SSU (14-3-1)
0
Cal State L.A. CSULA (9-5-3)
Winner
Sonoma State SSU
(14-3-1)
2
Final
0
Cal State L.A. CSULA
(9-5-3)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Sonoma State SSU 1 1 2
Cal State L.A. CSULA 0 0 0

Game Recap: Women's Soccer | | by Myles Bridgewater-Jackman, Assistant Sports Information Director

FINALS BOUND! Sara(h)s Swing Semi In Shutout Victory

LA JOLLA, Calif. — Led by goals from Sarah Lindborg and Sara Van Wagoner, the Sonoma State Seawolves shutout the number #2 seeded Golden Eagles at Triton Stadium, Friday night, to move on to the CCAA Women's Soccer Tournament Final.

"I'm so proud of the win tonight," said head coach Emiria Salzmann Dunn after the match. "We put it all out there and showed great energy and team spirit. L.A. has been our toughest opponent in the post-season so it means a lot we were able to pull through this time."

Through a dominant first half, the Sonoma State controlled the game with possession while keeping the pressure on goal with numerous shots. With four minutes remaining till the break, the Seawolves finally found an opportunity to convert. 

Ashley Von Tillow and Cecilia Sifuentes combined before finding Sarah Lindborg with a left-sided cross. Tracking the ball, Lindborg put a head on the cross and buried it inside the near post from close range, putting the Seawolves up 1-0.

With a mere one-goal lead, the Seawolves looked to their defense to shut down L.A. in the attacking third as SSU sought to expand its lead. Through 74 minutes, Sonoma State limited their opponent to a mere three shots—none of which forced keeper Kristin Spear to make a save.

The defensive effort impressed Salzmann Dunn.

"Our back line had probably their most solid performance all year and that really gave us confidence."

With just over 15 minutes remaining, Van Wagoner put the game out of reach for Cal State L.A. Kristyn Lerma laid off a pass to Van Wagoner who opened up to find space and take a shot from distance. With a right-footed strike, the ball sunk into the left side of the net doubling up CSULA.

The Golden Eagles pushed hard in the final minutes of the game looking for a goal but neither of their final pair of shots went on target. 

As the final seconds ticked off the clock, Kristal Luna punted the ball out of play in front of the Seawolves bench, as they emptied on to the field to celebrate with their teammates.

With the win, the Seawolves move on to the CCAA Final on Sunday, where they'll meet the winner of Friday night's Cal State San Marcos / UC San Diego semi-final. 

Sunday's kickoff is slated for 2pm at Triton Soccer Stadium.