BAKERSFIELD, Calif.-- The Roadrunner women's soccer team played its only preseason exhibition match Tuesday night as redshirt freshman Aminah Settles pushed CSU Bakersfield to a 2-2 draw against Cal State San Bernardino.
The 'Runners dominated possession in the first half and outshot the Coyotes 6-2 in the period. CSUB added pressure early and Settles' run into the box in the 38th minute resulted in a foul and penalty kick. Fellow redshirt freshman Alexa Orrante netted the opening goal from the penalty spot to give the 'Runners a 1-0 lead.
Cal State San Bernardino answered back just 54 seconds later. The Coyotes scored the equalizer when Melanie Aguayo fed Gabby Evaristo who promptly shot the ball into the upper corner. The 'Runners responded well with more pressure but were unable to take the lead back in the final six minutes of the opening half.
Two early chances for the Coyotes put ample pressure on the 'Runners in the second half. Freshman goalkeeper Jen Padilla came off her line to block the first opportunity but a clean pass from Kiersten Miller allowed Alyssa Campa to put the ball in the back of the net. CSUSB took a 2-1 lead five minutes into the second half.
The 'Runners began to pressure back when Settles made her way into the box again. The second time around, the Tuscon, Ariz. native finished over the outstretched fingers of the CSUSB goalkeeper. Haley Vicente provided the well placed ball which allowed the 'Runners to even the game at two goals apiece in the 76th minute.
The game end in a 2-2 draw, but fans got to see some extra action after regulation as both teams agreed on taking exhibition penalty kicks. Tori Ornela, Bakersfield's resident veteran had two saves in goal and four straight goals for the 'Runners pushed CSUB to a 4-2 win in penalties.
“I thought it was really good exercise,” said Gary Curneen, Head Coach of the 'Runners. “Physically, it was a real test for the team. I thought we played outstanding. Aminah was outstanding tonight. She created a lot of chances in the spring, so, it was great to see her start the season off with a goal tonight.”
With a slew of incoming freshmen, the 'Runners are reloaded with energy and enthusiasm, two characteristics which showed up on the field tonight according to Cureen: “I thought the freshmen were great. I'm really proud of them. Some of them responded really well to the excitement tonight and it threw some of them back, but, they will get stronger.”
The Roadrunner women will be back in action Friday, Aug. 21 at the Main Soccer Field as CSUB opens its regular season. Bakersfield will take on Humboldt State with first touch slated for 7 p.m.
~GoRunners.com~
