BAKERSFIELD, Calif. ? In a match of mirrored halves, the CSUB men's soccer team followed a slow start with a fantastic finish to earn a 1?1 draw with Long Island University in its home opener Thursday night on the CSUB Main Soccer Field.
Sascha Donougher gave LIU a 1?0 lead in the 22nd minute when he ran onto a quick through ball and beat Roadrunner goalkeeper Steve Trojanowski one-on-one inside the near post from 15 yards.
The 'Runners equalized less than one minute before halftime when freshman Robbie Gouk sent a far post cross to Towa Manda, who buried his second goal of the season from short range for what proved to be the final score of the match.
LIU (0?2?1 overall) dominated possession for long stretches of the first half as Bakersfield (1?1?1) seemed content to play for the counter attack. But the tables turned in the second half as the 'Runners took control of the flow. Bakersfield built a 10?4 shot advantage after the interval but couldn't unlock the Blackbird defense.
CSUB had a marvelous chance to win the match in the 89th minute when Oscar Coppieters found Manda alone inside the penalty area, but Manda's shot was deflected wide.
LIU's best chance to win the match came in the second overtime period when Ryan Vanderkin ran on to a long pass on a partial breakaway, only to have his header denied when Trojanowski ventured far off his line to challenge.
Blackbird goalkeeper Alex Fatovic twice played the hero's role himself in the closing minutes, stoning Manny Garcia and Mike Esparza with a pair of brilliant saves in the final five minutes to preserve the tie.
Bakersfield hits the road this weekend to play its first?ever match at Saint Mary's College in Moraga Saturday afternoon. LIU returns to the east coast to play at New Jersey Tech Sept. 11.
