PHOENIX, Ariz. – A second-half comeback for CSU Bakersfield's men's soccer team was thwarted by Grand Canyon in Sunday afternoon's road match. Senior Hugo Vinales scored a goal for CSUB in the 63rd minute, but the Lopes held on to defeat the Roadrunners 2-1.

GCU's Niki Jackson netted his 15th goal of the season in the 41st minute to give the Lopes a 1-0 lead just before halftime. The Lopes extended their lead early in the second half thanks to a 60th-minute goal by Alexandros Halis.

CSUB responded quickly by earning a penalty kick at 62:45. Vinales, a native of Palm Springs, Calif., stepped to the penalty spot and buried the ball in the back of the net. The senior's goal was Vinales' fourth of the season and cut the GCU lead to 2-1.

The 'Runners pressured late and had a great chance for an equalizer, but Niklas Korber's shot in the 87th minute was saved. The Lopes held on to defeat the 'Runners 2-1.

"We showed some great fight to get back in the game and we had some opportunities to tie the match," said CSUB head coach Richie Grant. "We created some great opportunities to go in front early in the game. We got better this weekend and we need to be at our best next Saturday for senior night."

The Roadrunners have nine points (5-12, 3-6 WAC) entering the final week of conference play. CSUB sits two points out of the fifth WAC Tournament spot which is held by UTRGV and one point behind San Jose State.

CSU Bakersfield hosts Houston Baptist next Saturday night at 7 p.m. The Roadrunner seniors will be honored prior to the start of the match.

~GoRunners.com~