BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Cal State Bakersfield continued to play strong soccer at the Main Soccer Field this season after a 2-1 win over Cal State L.A. on Wednesday night improved the Roadrunners' home mark to 4-1-2 in 2006.
Deena Plach scored the game-winning goal with less than 12 minutes remaining in the match and the Golden Eagles didn't threaten with an equalizer for the remainder of the game.
The Roadrunners continued their strong play at home despite having just a 1-4-2 record in road matches. But that strong play at home bodes well for Bakersfield with four of its final six matches being contested at the Main Soccer Field.
Bakersfield had the better of the play for much of this match despite the fact that Cal State L.A. entered play this week ranked No. 6 in the latest NSCAA Far West Region polls. The Roadrunners outshot Cal State L.A. by an overwhelming 20-8 margin and completely took control in the second half, outshooting the Golden Eagles by a commanding 12-2 margin.
But it was Cal State L.A. that jumped on the board first. Amanda Matthews found Gabby Lovato on the left side, and Lovato sent a perfectly-placed shot inside the upper corner at the near post to make the score 1-0 for the Golden Eagles.
It only took two minutes for the Roadrunners to find the equalizer, though. Carli Godard sent a perfect pass over the top of the defense to find Taylar Sklar which left the Roadrunner senior alone with Golden Eagle goalkeeper Reyna Coca. Sklar had no problem beating Coca for her 11th goal of the season and tied the score at 1-1.
Bakersfield continued to have the better of play and found the game-winner in the 79th minute. Godard earned her second assist on the night when she touched a pass to Jennifer Mettler who crossed from the left side and found Plach waiting at the far post. She also beat Coca for the game-winner.
Coca made six saves for the Golden Eagles while Bakersfield goalkeeper Ashley Witten made three saves in the win.
The Roadrunners will return to the Main Soccer Field on Friday when they play host to Chico State at 4:30 p.m. in the first half of a women's-men's doubleheader.
