BAKERSFIELD, Calif.—CSU Bakersfield picked up its first Western Athletic Conference men's soccer victory Saturday night as the Roadrunners defeated San José State 2-1.

Robin Lindahl gave CSUB a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute when he took a long pass from Tyson Griffin and scored from eight yards out. The Spartans tied the match in the 53rd minute when Zach Penner scored from short range.

Mamadou Balde nearly returned the lead to the Roadrunners, but his header with 27:55 to play went off of the Spartans' cross bark.  Niklas Koerber returned the lead to the 'Runners when his long blast was deflected past SJSU goalie Nedin Tuckaovic with just under 20 to play.  

CSUB goalie Nicolas Clever kept the Spartans off the board with just over 14 to go. Clever turned away Alex Alcaraz's attempt. The rebound came in front to San José State forward Rory Knibbs who put a shot towards Clever. Clever got enough to deflect the ball out of bounds.

“Tonight was an extremely hard fought match,” said CSUB head coach Richie Grant. “I thought we were in the driver's seat at 1-0, and we creating chances to go up 2-0. We were chasing the ball and that opened up some counter attacks that they were able to take advantage of. When it was 1-1, I thought that was when we played at our best. We put balls across the face of the goal and looked comfortable. Niklas is a very good player that has been waiting to get his first goal. It was the first time I saw him strike the ball and hit the target and went in.”

San José State outshot CSUB 18-11, 10-4 on goal. Clever tied his career high with nine saves. His nine save total is the fourth most in a match (posted six times) since CSUB moved to the Division I level.

The Roadrunners host Incarnate Word Friday night at 7 p.m. The match will be streamed on the WAC Digital Network.

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