ALBUQUERQUE, NM.- Despite conceiting a goal in the sixth minute of play, the Bakersfield Roadrunners managed a second-half equalizer from Simon Doherty (Jr., West Lothian, Scotland, FDU)  and earned a 1-1 draw against VCU in the first match of the  TLC Plumbing and Utility Classic Friday afternoon at the University of New Mexico.

The Rams struck first in the sixth minute on a header from Dakota Barnathan from two yards off of a rebound and direct kick near the Bakersfield net. It was Barnathan's first of the season for the Rams (3-3-1) who were semifinalist in the Atlantic 10 tournament last season and earned an NCAA Tournament berth in 2013.

The Roadrunners (4-1-1) however then upped the offensive pressure, going on to outshoot the Rams 21-10 in the match while also allowing just four shots on goal from VCU while coming up with eight of their own.  Christian Duarte (Jr., Houston, Texas, Clear Springs HS) led the way with seven shots during the match, four coming on the VCU goal while Joe Masumiya (R-Sr., Lakewood, Calif., Lakewood HS) added two shots on goal for the Roadrunners.

As has been the case all season, defense was also solid for the 'Runners, after the VCU goal, Bakersfield allowed just two more shots on goal for the remainder of the match.

The equalizer for the Roadrunners came from five yards out when Doherty struck in the 81st minute off a cross from Lucas Dall'Orso (Sr., Orange County, Calif., La Serra HS). It was Doherty's second goal in as many matches after striking his first last Saturday night against UC Davis.

Friday's game marked the second time in as many matches as well that the Roadrunners have played overtime. Bakersfield is now 0-1-1 in overtime matches this season.

CSUB managed a couple good shots on goal in the overtime periods as well only to be turned away by the VCU defense en route to their first draw of the season. The Roadrunners continue play in the TLC Plumbing and Utility Classic on Sunday as they take on Drexel at Noon (MDT).

~www.GoRunners.com~