With Tronson on the Bench, CSUN Defeats Pomona, 1-0

Forward Mike McAndrew scored on a 25-yard penalty shot with 20:30 left to play Wednesday to give Cal State Northridge a 1-0 win over Cal Poly Pomona.

Pomona goalie Tony Rieger expected McAndrew to kick to one of several Northridge players gathered at the left side of the net. But McAndrew, a junior, instead lifted the ball over a wall of defenders and landed it on the right side.

“That’s how you picture them,” McAndrew said afterward. “I’ve had several (penalty) kicks like that, but that’s the first one I’ve stuck this year.”

The Matadors won despite playing without their leading scorer, John Tronson. Tronson, who has eight goals this season, drew a red card in last week’s game against Westmont and. NCAA rules barred him from the next game.

“The whole game was ‘How do we do without Tronson?’ ” Northridge Coach Marwan Ass’ad said. “I don’t think we played one of our better games. But sitting out will give him time to think--and hopefully he won’t do anything silly again.”

Northridge controlled the ball well in the first half, but blew several opportunities to score. In the second half, Pomona had several opportunities, but came away empty.

Late in the game, Broncos forward Bruno Cursaro made two attempts in 30 seconds in front of the Northridge goal. The first shot was wide, as Cursaro lost his balance. The next soared over the net.