A New Chapter for the Matadors
California State University, Northridge’s women’s soccer program, the defending Big West regular‑season champion, will kick off its 2026 campaign with an exhibition match against Trinity Western University on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Matador Soccer Field. The game marks the first of two preseason appearances before the team’s official opener against Boise State on August 12.
Head coach Gina Brewer, who earned Coach of the Year honors after guiding the Matadors to the 2025 Big West title, returns for her third season. She will rely on a core group of 14 letterwinners, including seven returning starters who anchored a defense that featured juniors Sydney Lipkin, Siena Navarra, Alex Valente, Michelle Monroy and goalkeeper Hayden Mauldin.
On the offensive side, juniors Jordyn Canister and Yasmin Azar are slated to fill the void left by all‑conference honorees Cailey Jackson and Paige Califf. Their efforts will be complemented by Division I transfers Malea Johnson from Long Beach State and Paige Harris from Idaho State, both bringing experience to the attacking lineup.
The roster also welcomes a seven‑member freshman class, featuring forwards Jana Akins and McKenzie Sanchez, midfielders Amaya Jackson and Theresa Castro, defenders Harper Curnutt and Emerson Moran, and goalkeeper Alana Miller. Returning redshirts Ireland Regan and Isabella Andrino are expected to make their debuts, adding depth to the midfield and defensive units.
Building Toward a Title Defense
Beyond the exhibition against Trinity Western, the Matadors will test their mettle at UC Riverside and UC Santa Barbara later in the week, using those matches to fine‑tune strategies before the regular season begins. With a blend of seasoned veterans, impactful transfers, and promising newcomers, CSUN aims to translate its 2025 success into another championship‑contending campaign.