BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Forward
Lyle Martin kicked off his senior season in style, scoring the match–winner midway through the second half to lift the Cal State Bakersfield men's soccer team to a 1–0 victory over The Master's College Saturday evening on the CSUB main Soccer Field.
It was the season–opener for both teams and they played at a pace befitting two squads getting their feet wet. Both teams played solid possession soccer at points, but Bakersfield put together longer stretches of crisp play and was ultimately rewarded with the win.
Martin's goal capped a solid 10–minute run in which Bakersfield kept the Mustangs on their heels. The Roadrunner front line forced a turnover in The Master's defensive third, creating a give–and–go between Martin and Towa Manda above the Mustang penalty area.
Manda chested a soft pass to Martin making a right to left run across the top of the penalty area. Martin then cut into the box and beat goalkeeper Kevin Lawson inside the right post.
Although Bakersfield owned the better of possession through much of the match, and out–shot The Master's 14–4, the Mustangs nearly stole a late first half lead thanks to the tenacity of senior forward Jared Thornton.
With just over one minute remaining in the first half, Thornton nearly picked the pocket of Roadrunner starting goalkeeper Steve Trojanowski. Trojanowski recovered and tried to dribble away, only to have thornton strip him of the ball again. With nothing but 10 yards of air between himself and a wide open goal, Thornton lifted his shot off the cross bar and the Roadrunners dodged their most serious challenge of the evening.
Bakersfield's possession advantage translated into a handful of scoring opportunities, but the Roadrunners could not find and insurance goal. Manda had the best chance, but Lawason came 15 yards off his line to deny a golden opportunity after Manda slipped between two defenders at the top of the box.
Bakersfield returns to action Monday when it hosts Fresnp Pacific University at 7 p.m. The Master's returns home to host Holy Names University tuesday at 4 p.m.
California State University, Bakersfield Athletic Department
9001 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93311-1022
Phone: (661) 654-3071 • FAX: (661) 654-2376
