Offense Treading Thin Line

Keith Kincaid has anchored the offensive line at Cal State Northridge for two seasons, starting at right tackle for 22 consecutive games.

Saturday, Kincaid gave coaches a scare by limping from the field with an ankle injury during an intrasquad scrimmage at North Campus Stadium.

Fortunately for Northridge, without three starters from last season’s offensive line, the injury to the 6-foot-4, 285-pound Kincaid was not serious. But protecting quarterback Marcus Brady, the biggest key to the Matadors’ success, remains a concern.

Brady was sacked 37 times last season, including six times against Southern Methodist and five times against Montana. By season’s end Brady was hobbling on a swollen ankle while Northridge limped to a 5-6 record.

“We’ve improved quite a bit,” Brady said. “But I’m not sure about our depth. In general, we’ll be better.”

Senior Johnny Acosta and junior Javier Ortiz started part-time last season. Acosta will play left tackle. Ortiz will move from left guard to center.

Newcomers include guards Brandon Bean, a transfer from Chaffey College, and Aschon Madjid, a freshman from L.A. Baptist High who redshirted last season.

*

The Master’s College men’s soccer team opens the season today at 4 against Vanguard at Reese Field. The Mustangs, 7-12 last season, play Friday against Grand Canyon at Las Vegas.

Forward Anthon Brueggeman, who had 21 points and ranked second on the team with six goals, and midfielder Rusty Brooke, who scored three goals, are among 10 returning starters. Midfielder David Wright, a freshman from Saugus High, is a top newcomer.

Master’s was 6-5 last season in NAIA Region II.

Master’s women’s soccer team opens the season Sept. 2 against Simpson College at Master’s.