Green Suspended For Role in Soccer Fight

Gentry Green, who scored the winning goal in overtime for Cal State Northridge in a 1-0 victory Sunday over Idaho State, was suspended for one-game by the Big Sky Conference for her role in a post-game fight between the teams at North Campus Stadium.

Green, a freshman forward from Canyon High, will not play against Montana today in the opening round of the Big Sky tournament at Missoula, Mont. Also suspended for one game were Idaho State’s Shalen Weston and Sarah Moravitz.

Doug Fullerton, commissioner of the Big Sky, levied the suspensions Wednesday after conference officials reviewed videotape of the melee, which began immediately after Green’s winning goal. Northridge players tore at a pinata resembling a Bengal tiger, Idaho State’s mascot.

A statement issued by the conference said Green and Weston were observed fighting on the videotape. Moravitz was issued a red card by a game official for violent conduct following the match, resulting in an automatic one-game suspension according to conference and NCAA rules.

Fullerton also issued a letter of reprimand to three other Northridge players for taunting Idaho State players.

“Unfortunately, the rules regarding the penalties for fighting do not distinguish between instigators and retaliators,” Fullerton said in a statement. “Obviously, the Big Sky does not condone any behavior of this type.”

Northridge (10-7-1, 4-3 in conference play) earned the Big Sky’s fourth berth with the victory over Idaho State. Montana (10-5-1) finished first at 6-0-1.

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The ground figures to be cold, wet and hard Saturday night at Portland’s Civic Stadium, where the Matadors play Portland State in a Big Sky football game scheduled for a 6:05 kickoff.

Evening temperatures are expected to dip into the 40s and rain is expected. The field has an artificial surface.

All of which does not bode well for a handful of Northridge players hobbled by injuries, most notably quarterback Marcus Brady.

“We are beat up,” interim Coach Jeff Kearin said.

Brady was on crutches after the Matador’s 30-28 victory last week over Weber State.

He did not practice Tuesday and went through a light practice Wednesday while limping on a swollen right ankle. But Brady is expected to play against Portland State.

“It’s improving,” Brady said Wednesday. “I feel a little better, but I should be OK Saturday.”

Dave Lins is Brady’s likely backup, Kearin said.

Center Julio Alcala and receiver Ryan Beckwith also are limping from ankle injuries. Alcala did not practice Wednesday.

Tackle Nick Longshore is nursing a bruised shoulder. Fullback Jaumal Bradley has a sprained foot.

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Cornerback Chazz Moore, a native of Portland and the only Northridge player from Oregon, let his hometown know how he feels.

“We are definitely going to beat Portland State,” Moore said.

“We are at the point where we can’t afford to lose. The way we’re playing right now, I don’t think anybody is going to beat us. The only way we can lose is if we beat ourselves.”

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Receiver Joe Gilliam, who suffered a concussion last week against Weber State, will not return this season. Gilliam, a freshman from Fresno Edison High, ranks fourth among Northridge players with 22 receptions for 234 yards and two touchdowns.