by James Tate

Northridge finally found its spark Tuesday evening, and it came from one of the youngest players on the field. Freshman Alice Clippinger delivered a breakout performance in the Region 1 opener, scoring three goals to power the Knights to a convincing 5–0 road win over Roy, their first victory of the season and a statement that their attack is beginning to take shape.

For most of the first half, neither side could break through. Both defenses clogged passing lanes, disrupted runs, and forced long possessions that rarely produced clean looks. But with 43 seconds left before halftime, Northridge seized its moment. Clippinger collected a pass near the left edge of the box and bent a shot into the top‑right corner to give the Knights a 1–0 lead and a surge of momentum heading into the break.

Alice Clippinger

Head Coach Kenadee Thomas said that moment felt bigger than just the opening goal.

“Alice has come in as a freshman and really stepped up,” Coach Thomas said. “It’s tough as a newcomer with girls who’ve played together, but she’s embraced it. Watching that first goal go in, I felt a sigh of relief; she’s worked so hard. I’m super happy for her getting three today, and I’m proud of her.”

The Knights carried that energy straight into the second half. Just over six minutes in, at the 33:24 mark, Clippinger struck again, slipping a shot past the keeper to make it 2–0. Northridge kept pressing, and Clippinger completed her hat trick with 23:26 remaining, stretching the lead to 3–0 and putting Roy firmly on its heels.

From there, the Knights’ control only grew. The midfield dictated possession, the wings pushed the Royals’ backline deeper and deeper, and the Knights’ defense, tested heavily in preseason, never wavered. Coach Thomas made sure to highlight that group as well.

“I also want to recognize our backline,” Coach Thomas said. “We faced some top 6A teams in preseason, and a clean sheet here means a lot. We’ve got some young talent back there, and we’re excited for the rest of the season.”

With 17:00 left, sophomore Taylor Hanson added her mark on the match, driving home a fourth goal to put the game out of reach. Fellow sophomore Emma Warner rounded out the scoring at the 7:15 mark, capping a dominant second half and giving Northridge its most complete performance of the young season.

Mylee Williams

That defensive strength was matched by excellent team play across the pitch. Seniors Mylee Williams, Leila Cypers, Briella Moon juniors Kayla Stevenson and Bella Banks helped control tempo and possession. At the same time, juniors Adriana Troutman, Hadlee Hazen, sophomores London Haver, Roxey Roberts, and Irelyn Dille provided steady movement, pressure, and support that kept Roy on its heels throughout the second half.

In goal, Abbi Frost and Elinore Manwill anchored the clean sheet, making timely reads and organizing the backline during the few moments Roy threatened.

Roy, despite the scoreline, had strong individual efforts of its own. Summer Garton, Brinlee Horman, and Chloe Ellis battled to generate chances and keep the Royals competitive in stretches. At the same time, sophomore goalkeeper Lexi Beene turned in a gritty performance with numerous stops that kept Roy within reach deep into the match.

The Knights walk away from Roy with confidence, momentum, and a freshman striker who announced herself in a big way. And for the first time this year, they walk away with a win.

photos courtesy of James Tate