LAS VEGAS, Nev. – CSU Bakersfield's men's soccer team suffered a tough loss on Friday afternoon to open the Johann Memorial Classic. Despite taking a first-half lead, the Roadrunners fell to Gonzaga by a score of 4-1.

The `Runners opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Sebastian Mental hit a beautiful one-timer from 12 yards out. His strike hit the left post and found the back of the net as Niklas Korber assisted to give CSUB a 1-nil lead. Almost six minutes later, the Bulldogs responded with a goal of their own as Ben White equalized the match.

The rest of the first half played out relatively quietly, but Gonzaga was prepared for a big second period. The Bulldogs netted three goals in the period with the first coming in the 51st minute. Seven minutes later Sam Olson gave GU a 3-1 lead. Gonzaga capped the scoring in the 62nd minute on Joe Corner's second of the season.

The `Runners will return to action at the Johann Memorial Classic on Sunday. CSUB (2-3-0) is scheduled to play St. Francis (Pa.) at 10:30 a.m. in Las Vegas.

~GoRunners.com~