EDINBURG, Texas – Four first-half goals on Sunday packed the punch that CSU Bakersfield's women's soccer team needed to earn its first win of the season. The Roadrunners went on to add another goal in the second period to take a 5-0 shutout victory over Prairie View A&M in the closing game of the UTRGV Tournament.
"Our focus and preparation for today's game was up there with the best we have ever produced in my time here," said Gary Curneen, Head Coach of the 'Runners. "After Friday's game, we came here to get a result and start the season the right way."
"I'm proud of the effort and the commitment of every single player to perform at that level and keep our standards high throughout," Curneen continued. "Sundays are all about mental toughness and you have to work very hard to create and maintain those habits. We certainly did that today."
The 'Runners scored early and often in the match, capitalizing on four of their first seven shots on goal. Redshirt freshman Kamari Hines got the scoring started in the 10th minute with her first collegiate goal.
Freshman Aryana Harvey, who was one of three goalscorers in Friday's season opener, netted her second of the season at 12:01. The native of Tualatin, Ore. curled a corner kick into the goal to put the 'Runners ahead 2-0. Six minutes later, junior transfer Claire Nelson gave CSUB a three-goal lead on an assist from redshirt junior Alex Orrante.
Junior Haley Vicente capped CSUB's first-half scoring with a blast from outside the box. The golazo came on a pass from Alexa Orrante, who earned her second assist of the match and of the season. A stonewall backline, along with sophomore goalkeeper Jordan Bertram's organization and one save, kept the Panthers off the scoreboard in the opening period.
The second half proved to be much quieter while CSUB's defense continued to hold strong. The 'Runner bench was able to gain valuable experience and the whole team played well, preserving the first shutout of the season behind Bertram's three second-half saves. Orrante capped the game with a penalty-kick goal in the 89th minute, giving the midfielder four points on the day, as CSUB took a 5-0 victory in Texas.
"This has been a huge weekend of growth for our team," Curneen said. "We will take many positives and learning experiences back to Bakersfield tonight that will help us propel this program to where we want to be."
The 'Runners (1-1-0) will return to Bakersfield for their home opener, Aug. 23, against Cal Poly. The match is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start at the Main Soccer Field. Single-game and season tickets can be purchased ahead of time at GoRunners.com/tix as well as at the gate. Fans who cannot make it to the match can watch live via the WAC Digital Network.
~GoRunners.com~
