BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Evan Fassler came off the bench to net a pair of goals, his fourth and fifth of the season, as the CSUB men's soccer team broke a three-match winless streak with a 2-1 victory over Air Force Friday at the Main Soccer Field.
The Roadrunners move to 7-6-2 overall and 2-3-0 in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. The win also moves them one win or tie closer to securing their first .500 or above season since making the transition to Division I. Air Force, meanwhile, fell to 7-6-1 overall and 2-3-0 in the MPSF, snapping a two-match win streak.
Bakersfield came out of the gates with fire generating good runs up the field, but was unable to turn any of them into a shot opportunity. The tide then turned in the Falcons' favor as a breakdown in CSUB's end led to a goal by Kevin Durr in the 19th minute. Josh Rhynard brought the ball up the right flank and sent a low cross to the front of the goalmouth where Durr one-touched into the near-post net past a diving Eric Shannon.
The Roadrunners regained the momentum late in the half and were able to tie the score at the 41:03 mark. Ken Taylor played a long through ball up the left side of the pitch to Fassler. Fassler controlled it just inside the midline on the Falcons' half, used his speed to push past the defensive line and sent a 20-yard strike into the far post net.
Just 12 minutes into the second half, Fassler tallied the game-winner, connecting on a cross from Kory Kindle, who had draw Air Force keeper Mike Mauro out with his attack of the left post.
After taking the 2-1 lead, the Roadrunners withstood seven shots by the Falcons on their way to holding on to the narrow margin. Shannon finished with two saves for CSUB while Mauro had four.
Bakersfield returns to the Main Soccer Field for the final time in 2009 on Sunday with a 1 p.m. kick off against the University of Denver. Seniors Javier Barba, Oscar Coppieters, Omar Heredia, Joe Polifroni and Matt Shaxton will be honored in a short ceremony prior to kick off. The CSUB women's soccer team also wraps up its 2009 season Sunday with an 11 a.m. kick off against San Francisco.
Air Force (7-6-1, 2-3-0 MPSF) vs. CSU Bakersfield (7-6-2, 2-3-0 MPSF)
Date: Oct 30, 2009 Attendance: 138
Weather: clear, cold
Goals by period 1 2 Tot
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Air Force........... 1 0 - 1
CSU Bakersfield..... 1 1 - 2
SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 18:37 AF Kevin Durr (2) (Josh Rhynard) - low cross from right flank, one touch near post
2. 41:03 CSUB Evan Fassler (4) (Ken Taylor) - long thru ball, 21 beat back line, 20 yard strike
3. 56:24 CSUB Evan Fassler (5) (Kory Kindle) - tap in on goal line, cross from left side
Shots: Air Force 9, CSU Bakersfield 12
Saves: Air Force 4 (Mike Mauro 4), CSU Bakersfield 2 (Eric Shannon 2)
