NORTHRIDGE, Calif.—Nicolas Clever recorded his eighth career shutout as CSU Bakersfield played to a 0-0 draw with CSUN Sunday night.

“I am really pleased with the character of our team after such an emotional loss to LMU on Friday night,” said CSUB head coach Richie Grant. “Tonight our focus was keeping the game tight and not conceding and we accomplished that.”

Clever made a spectacular save on the first CSUN shot of the match in the 31st minute of the first half.  Steven Manois worked the ball inside the goalkeeper's box where Clever extended his hand in front of the bottom left of the net, knocking the ball away.  Clever would make back-to-back saves in the 35th minute from close range and added a fourth save with five minutes to play to keep it 0-0 at halftime.

The Matadors press right away to start the second half as Shane Steffes' attempt from in front of the net was turned away by Clever. The CSUN pressure continued in the 55th minute when the Matadors had an apparent goal taken away by an offside call.

David Turcois nearly broke the tie with just under six to play when his low line drive was saved by Clever.  A Stephen Church header went high in the final five minutes of regulation for the Roadrunners. The teams would remain scoreless heading into overtime.

CSUN (1-3-1) had the two best scoring chances in the first overtime. On an indirect kick, a Stuart Close bicycle kick with 1:46 to play was saved by Clever. A minute later, Trevor Morey's attempt hit the crossbar. CSUN took the lone shot of the second overtime as the teams played to only the second tie in the 25th match between the two schools (CSUN leads the series 23-0-2).

Clever made seven saves on all seven shots that were on the CSUB goal. CSUN outshot the Roadrunners 14-6 for the match.

“Nick came up big for us a couple of times,” Grant said. “He kept the backline concentrated and organized and that's what we ask him to do.”

The Roadrunners (1-2-2) are off until Sept. 24 when the 'Runners travel to the University of San Francisco for a 7 p.m. matchup. Grant will be going for his 200th career victory as a collegiate head coach against the Lions (199-154-31).

CSUB returns home Oct. 4 when CSUB hosts Pacific at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at Vallitix.com.

~www.GoRunners.com~