NORTHRIDGE, Calif. --- UC Irvine closed out the road portion of its schedule with a 3-1 loss to CSUN Saturday night at Matador Soccer Field.

The Matadors (7-6-3, 4-3-2) struck first on the second shot of the game. Juan Samayoa's free kick was served into a crowd with Patrick Hickman coming out of it with the header sending it into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute.

The 'Eaters (4-13, 2-6) had their chances to respond with five shots of their own to CSUN's three, and put three on target, but the 1-0 score held into the half.

CSUN added to its advantage in the 76th minute with a well-played combination effort to set up Shane Steffes on the back post to make it 2-0.

The Anteater offense finally got cooking in the 84th minute as Ivan Canales' cross hit Giovanni Godoy in stride, and he would finish to pull CSUN back, 2-1.

The Matadors shut the door in the 89th minute as Juan Samayoa crushed a free kick by Elliot Farmer extending the lead back to two and eventually the final score of 3-1.

UCI couldn't quite figure out Kevin Marquez firing up 13 shots to CSUN's nine with seven on target. Marquez stopped six while Farmer came up with one save for the 'Eaters.

Godoy's goal was his third of the year while Ivan Canales got a fourth assist and gives him six points in the two matches against CSUN.

The loss coupled with Cal State Fullerton's defeat of UC Riverside drops the 'Eaters farther behind in the Big West and leaves them mathematically eliminated from tournament contention.

UCI does return home for its final two matches of the season next week. Wednesday, October 26 the 'Eaters will host UC Riverside in its "Think Pink" match, and they will also host their special guest, Julio Godoy. The week culminates on Saturday, October 29 with a Senior Night celebration. Both matches begin at 7:00 p.m.

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