BAKERSFIELD, Calif.—UT Rio Grande Valley defeated CSU Bakersfield 2-0 in Western Athletic Conference men's soccer action Friday night.

UTRGV (4-7-2, 2-3-1 WAC) took a 1-0 lead in the 36th minute. On a free kick, Isiadro Martinez went shot to Frederick Frankman. Frankman took a shot from 25 yards which went low and left and found its way into the CSUB goal.  The Vaqueros added an insurance goal in the 72nd minute on Sergio Laredo, Jr.'s first of the year.

Vaqueros' goalie Esa Aalto made two saves to earn the shutout. UTRGV outshot the Roadrunners 9-8, 6-2 on goal. Nicolas Clever made four saves for the 'Runners.

“We knew they would be a difficult team if they scored first,” said CSUB head coach Richie Grant. “They defend well and protect a lead very well. We gave a better effort in the second half, and created some chances at the end of the half, but our finishing was poor. We need to get our confidence up as you can feel the inexperience on our side. We need to concentrate on preparing to play UMKC as it will be pivotal for the conference tournament.”

The Roadrunners (4-11, 2-5 WAC) travel to UMKC next Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. (CT) start.

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