Northridge Whips Pacific Lutheran in Soccer Opener

Jim Hofferber and Scott Piri each scored two goals to lead Cal State Northridge to a 5-1 victory over Pacific Lutheran in the first round of the Far West Classic soccer tournament Thursday at Chico State.

The match was also the season opener for the Matadors, who play Simon Fraser University of British Columbia in the second round at 3:30 this afternoon.

Pacific Lutheran scored first less than two minutes into the game but hardly threatened thereafter. Hofferber, a sophomore forward, scored moments later to tie the score. After the go-ahead goal by junior Bill Durkin, Hofferber scored again just before halftime to give the Matadors a 3-1 advantage.

Piri, a freshman midfielder, completed the scoring with a pair of second-half goals. He also assisted on CSUN’s first goal.

Bernie Lilavois, Bobby Reyes, German Leverde and John Alevras each had an assist for the Matadors. Goalie Jeff Blumkin made eight saves.