NORTHRIDGE – Senior defender Lindsay Kutscher has been selected as one of 30 women’s soccer candidates for the Senior CLASS award. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be a Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character and competition.

Originally from Temecula, Calif., Kutscher has played every single minute on defense this season. She has helped the Matadors record two shutouts on the year, both of which on the road. Kutscher has also tallied six shots with two on goal.

Last season, Kutscher earned All-Big West First Team honors for the first time in her career after anchoring a defense that posted eight shutouts. In addition to her First Team selection, Kutscher received an All-Region Second Team selection from the United Soccer Coaches. She proved to be a threat offensively as well as she scored two goals and picked up an assist while playing in all but one minute on the year.

A defensive stalwart for the past four seasons, Kutscher has competed in every Matador match in her career. Her work on the backline has contributed to 32 shutouts since 2015 including a program-best 15 in 2016. Also a dangerous scorer, Kutscher has eight career goals to go with two assists and 18 points. With 70 appearances, Kutscher is seven appearances away from entering the school’s all-time career Top 10 list.

Off the field, Kutscher has performed excellently in the classroom. A three-time Big West All-Academic honoree, Kutscher has a cumulative 3.71 grade point average. She improved that average after posting a 3.75 mark last spring. The senior team captain is also a BUILD PODER student and conducted medical research in breast cancer while at CSUN.

Of the 30 Senior CLASS candidates, 10 finalists will be selected midway through the regular season. Those 10 finalists will be placed on the official ballot where media, coaches and fans can vote for the candidate who best exemplifies excellence in community, classroom, character and competition. The Senior CLASS award winner will be announced during the NCAA Women’s College Cup championships in December.

Kutscher and the Matadors will open up Big West play on Friday, Sept. 28 at Cal Poly. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.