As the season nears the finish line, Cal State Fullerton women’s soccer welcomed rivals Long Beach State on Sunday night in a crucial Big West match at Titan Stadium, narrowly playing up to the test.

After a stalemate for the first 80 minutes that saw near-goals and physical play, the Titans –  with help from the Beach in the form of an own goal – were able to break through late in the game to secure a 1-0 victory. 

The win, in front of a season-high attendance at Titan Stadium, not only solidified an unbeaten home slate for the Titans, but clinched them a spot in the 2025 Big West playoffs. 

Head coach Demian Brown does not take such an accomplishment as going undefeated at home lightly.

“It’s such a privilege to be in a stadium like this,” Brown said. “It’s really cool to be able to take pride in your home field and not drop games here.” 

On a counter attack started by Camryn Cruz, Cayla Oliveira sent a through pass to Isabella Cruz, who then crossed the ball to create an opportunity. In an attempt to clear the ball, CSULB’s Ruby Mansour kicked the ball past her own goalie in the 82nd minute, giving the Titans the lead. 

Though most would credit an own goal to luck, CSUF all-time save leader and goalkeeper Isaac Ranson playfully gave the credit to Brown. 

“We practice that play almost every day,” Ranson said. “He (Brown) says kick it low and hard and when someone’s running toward the goal, either our team or their team, they’re going to kick it in, and that’s what happened tonight.”

Ranson added on to his historic season, recording seven saves in his 11th clean sheet of the season. Ranson and the Titans’ defense have only surrendered four goals in 10 home games this season, with only one of those coming in conference play.  

Despite this being a rivalry game at a very important stage in the season, Ranson treated the match like any other. 

“I prepare the same for each game. I listen to calming music just to keep my heart rate pretty low,” Ranson said. “Every game is a big game, and I like routine.”

The game was hardly calming for anyone on the field. The team racked up 18 fouls and three yellow cards, compared to Long Beach’s seven fouls and one yellow card. 

Conversely, on the offensive end, the Titans only fired eight shots total compared to CSULB’s 16.

With a 5-2-2 conference record, the Titans currently hold the fourth seed in the Big West going into their regular season finale against the fifth-seeded Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners.

“We’re still trying to lobby and position ourselves for really good status in regards to the tournament, so we’ll heal ourselves up and get ready to go at it again Thursday at a very good Bakersfield team,” Brown said.

Thursday’s game is set to begin at 7 p.m.