RIVERSIDE, Calif. ? The CSUB men's soccer team met UC Riverside for the first time in more than 20 years Friday afternoon, coming away with a 1?1 tie against the Highlanders in Riverside.
Sophomore midfielder Javier Barba scored to give Bakersfield (2?3?3 overall) a 1?0 lead in the first half. Andrew Hills equalized for UCR in 11 minutes into the second half before both defenses dug in to preserve the draw.
“It was an end?to?end kind of game and very difficult for our boys after playing overtime on Tuesday night (a 2?2 draw with The Master's College),” said CSUB Head Coach Simon Tobin. “We had some chances to take the match in the second half and overtime ? both teams did, really ? but overall I am very pleased with the result.”
The shots slightly favored Bakersfield, with the Roadrunners holding a 14?11 edge, though both teams put six shots on frame, forcing CSUB's Steve Trojanowski and UCR's Charles Alamo to make five saves apiece. But it was a shot Bakersfield didn't put on frame that made the difference.
The 'Runners took control in the second overtime, out?shouting the Highlanders 4?0 in the period. With less than 30 seconds remaining, junior forward Towa Manda broke through one?on?one with Alamo but sent his potential match?winner just outside the left post.
The 'Runners will get just one day of rest before heading to the coast to renew another old rivalry at Cal Poly Sunday afternoon. Kickoff in San Luis Obispo is scheduled for 1 p.m.
