BAKERSFIELD, Calif.—The University of San Francisco defeated CSU Bakersfield 2-1 in men's soccer action Thursday night.

After a scoreless first half, the Dons got on the board first when David Garrett converted a Josh Smith deflection in the 49th minute. The Roadrunners tied the score at the 70:28 mark when CSUB was awarded a penalty kick. Jamie Carey-Morrell was selected by Roadrunner head coach Richie Grant to take the PK and he rewarded the decision with the tying goal.

USF went up for good 1:27 later when a Dons' long ball found Leon Schwarzer inside the CSUB goalkeeper's box. He took several dribbles before scoring what proved to be the game winning goal. Despite being outshot 20-14 (10-4 on goal), the 'Runners had a chance to tie the match with 20 seconds remaining, but Louis Lapouge's attempt just went wide, securing San Francisco victory.

CSUB goalie Nicolas Clever made eight saves including a stop late that would lead to the CSUB offensive chance that nearly tied the match.

“We gave ourselves a super look with 20 seconds to go,” said Grant. “We created the chance, put Louis in front of the goal and we could have tied it. We weren't sharp tonight. Nick is a veteran on our backline so he is going to have to come up big a lot this season.”

The Roadrunners travel to the University of New Mexico for a pair of matches next weekend. CSUB faces their old MPSF rival in the Lobos Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. (MT) before taking on Missouri State for the first time Sept. 11 at 12 p.m. (MT).

“It is the first time that we are taking the team away, so it will be a big opportunity for us,” Grant said. “We know we have a very young team that is learning and they are getting better each time out. New Mexico will be a test for us. It is important for us to continue to get better.”

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