Men's Soccer September 02, 2010 CSU Bakersfield Athletic Communications

Overtime Heroics Lead Roadrunners in Upset Over No. 8 Gauchos

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - A free kick from senior Alberto Navarro (Delano HS) found the foot of freshman striker Gyasi Zardes (Hawthorne, Calif./Leuzinger HS) in the 97th minute of action Wednesday evening and the first year forward buried the ball into the back of the net, giving the CSU Bakersfield men's soccer program the upset victory over the No. 8 UC Santa Barbara Gauchos on the Main Soccer Field, 1–0. Moments after a yellow card was given to UCSB's Luis Silva, Navarro sent a ball in from the middle of the field and after controlling the ball, Zardes fired it into the back of the net, ending the game in overtime.

“This was a great way to start the season,” says Head Coach Simon Tobin. “This is one of the biggest wins for the team and for myself in the Division I era. We showed tonight we can play with anyone. Santa Barbara came in as a top–eight program and I fully expect them to be in contention at the end of the season for a championship. Tonight was a fantastic performance from our guys and I am very proud of the team I have.”

The game was the season opener for both programs as CSUB moves to 1–0–0 and UC Santa Barbara, the preseason Big West favorites, are now 0–1–0. The win was CSUB's first over a ranked opponent at the Division I level. UCSB entered the game ranked as high as the nation's No. 4 team by Top Drawer Soccer.

In the first half, the Gauchos seemingly controlled the tempo, outshoot the 'Runners 10–2 in the opening 45. Sophomore goalkeeper Eric Shannon (Valencia HS) was sharp the entire game, making eight saves to record en route to the opening night shutout. Midway through the first half, the Gauchos' Michael Tetteh had a breakaway but was canceled out by a great sliding save from Shannon.

Shannon would again come up strong in the second half, making two key saves to keep CSUB in the contest. The Roadrunners composed themselves in the second half as play intensified, outshooting UCSB 7–5 in the frame. Five yellow cards were handed out after the halftime break with the final caution playing a decisive role in the outcome.

On the evening, UCSB held a 16–11 shot advantage and earned six corner kicks to CSUB's five. The Gauchos were whistled for 27 fouls to CSUB's 14 and were called for four offsides.

The Roadrunners' season continues Friday against UC Davis at 7 p.m. on the Main Soccer Field. The CSUB women will take on Tennessee–Martin at 5 p.m. Ticket information is available by calling 661–654–BLUE (2583).

SCORING SUMMARY
Goal     Time     Team     Goal Scorer     Assists     Description
1.     96:45     CSUB     Gyasi Zardes (1)     Alberto Navarro     Free kick from midfield, deflected to himself, lower right corner

CAUTIONS AND EJECTIONS
UCSB     #13     Hunter, Chris     Yellow card     48:18
CSUB     #6     Scott Luedtke     Yellow card     54:34
CSUB     #16     Ernesto Hinojosa     Yellow card     56:53
UCSB     #2     Boxall, Michael     Yellow card     88:55
UCSB     #7     Silva, Luis     Yellow card     96:37

Officials: Referee: Juan Guzman; Asst. Referee: Luis Gutierrez; Wenses Orrosquieta;
Offsides: UC Santa Barbara 4, CSU Bakersfield 2.

Print Friendly Version