BAKERSFIELD, Calif.—A pair of goals from players who scored for the first time in 2015 powered CSU Bakersfield past Grand Canyon 2-1 Friday night in Western Athletic Conference men's soccer action.

“Tonight was an extremely hard fought match and that's a credit to Grand Canyon,” said CSUB head coach Richie Grant.

The teams were scoreless through the first 39 minutes before Christian Duarte sent a long pass to Hugo Vinales who finished the scoring chance with a blast past GCU goalie Kendyl Day from 10 yards out.  

The Antelopes tied the match 3:27 into the second half when Damian German took a crossing pass from Alberto Garcia Sanchez and shot the ball into the top left of the CSUB goal. The Roadrunners scored the game winner in the 52nd minute. CSUB was awarded a corner kick in which Simon Doherty sent a short pass to Jamie Carey-Morrell. Morrell sent a crossing pass in front of the Grand Canyon goal where Mario Iniguez headed in the ball for what proved to be the game winning goal.

CSUB (4-3-2, 1-1 WAC) withstood Grand Canyon (6-4, 2-1 WAC) offensive threats throughout the second half. The Antelopes outshot the Roadrunners 11-3 in the second half. CSUB freshman goalie Oscar Gloveus made four of his six saves in the closing frame.

“I thought we played an excellent first half,” Grant said. “We could have scored a couple of goals. I thought we started the second half off really well, and we were extremely disappointed to give up a goal to Grand Canyon.  After we scored the second goal, it was about closing out the game and getting the three points for the win.”

CSUB hosts UNLV (8-3, 2-1 WAC) in a rematch of the 2014 WAC Tournament finals. Kick is set for 6 p.m. Tickets are available at Vallitix.com. The game will also be featured on the WAC Digital Network.

~www.GoRunners.com~