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California State University at Bakersfield Athletics

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NiklasKoerber
Mark Duffel
1
CSU Bakersfield CSB (0-3-0, 0-0-0)
2
Winner Duke DUK (3-0-0, 0-0-0)
CSU Bakersfield CSB
(0-3-0, 0-0-0)
1
Final
2
Duke DUK
(3-0-0, 0-0-0)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
CSU Bakersfield CSB 1 0 1
Duke DUK 1 1 2

Game Recap: Men's Soccer |

Late Goal Sends No. 10 Duke Past CSUB 2-1



DURHAM, N.C. – Unfazed by an early goal from No. 10 Duke, CSU Bakersfield's men's soccer team battled back and gave the Blue Devils a run for their money at the John Rennie Nike Invitational on Sunday. The Roadrunners nearly held on for a result on the East Coast, but Duke scored late on a penalty kick to take a 2-1 victory over CSUB.

"We showed a great response to the early goal and created a couple more solid chances," said Richie Grant, Head Coach of the `Runners. "It was a pity that such a soft decision changed the outcome of the match."

The Blue Devils roared out of the gate and netted a third-minute goal to take a 1-0 lead on the `Runners. Undaunted by the early stumble, CSUB answered right back with a goal of its own at 9:55 when senior Niklas Korber buried the ball in the back of the net for his ninth career goal.

The `Runners and Blue Devils each traded blows through the rest of the first half with both teams finding a couple more good chances on goal. Neither side was able to break through as the teams went to halftime tied 1-1.

In the early parts of the second half, the Blue Devils poked and prodded at the CSUB back line, but each time, the `Runner defense held firm. CSUB was called for a foul in the box in the 75th minute, giving Duke a penalty kick opportunity. Daniele Proch, a 2018 All-American, finished off the PK to put his squad ahead 2-1.

Bakersfield had one final look at an equalizer in the 89th minute. Freshman Eamon McLaughlin sent a ball hurling toward the upper right corner, but Will Pulisic, cousin of USA star Christian Pulisic, made an athletic save to seal the 2-1 victory for No. 10 Duke.

CSUB (0-2) has concluded its time at the John Rennie Nike Invitational and will return to Bakersfield to prepare for another pair of matches next week. The `Runners will hit the road again with a much closer destination in mind: Northern California. CSUB is scheduled to compete with UC Davis on Friday, Sept. 6, before closing the weekend against Sacramento State on Sunday, Sept. 8.
 
~GoRunners.com~
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