NORTHRIDGE, Calif. - CSU Bakersfield women's soccer saved their best for last, earning their second-straight Big West Conference win at CSUN on Sunday afternoon in the team's final match of 2021.
Freshman Karen Flores and senior Litzy Pimentel each found the back of the net in the first half, while freshman goalkeeper Haley Slouka earned her first shutout and win in goal for the Roadrunners.
Head coach Sebastian Vecchio said post-game, "We are happy with the way we ended the season despite the overall record. I think over the course of the year we were able to show we are not going to be an easy team to play."
CSUB scored on its second shot attempt in the 12th minute of the match on an unassisted goal from freshman Ecuadorian Flores. On a ball played above the box, she dribbled up the middle and from the top of the box fired a boot that netted high center.
The Matadors lead 4-3 in shots at the 20th minute mark but the `Runners held on to their, 1-0, lead.
Lizty Pimentel earned her team-leading third goal of the season in the 23rd minute of the contest. Off a turnover, freshman Kiara Oliver earned the assist on the play, dribbling and kicking the ball inside the box towards a flying Pimentel who headed the pass over CSUN's goalkeeper.
At halftime, the Roadrunners led where it mattered; in goals, assists and saves while CSUN led in shots, corners, and shots on goal.
Freshman goalie Flavia Burrell came subbed in for Slouka in the second half, earning a game-high 5 saves.
Bakersfield kept the Matadors offense from getting a shot past the goal line again in the second half closing the league slate similar to non-conference with a shutout road win. Behind a five-goal and unbeaten weekend the Roadrunners finish their first season in the Big West ahead of preseason predictions.
"I want to thank the whole team, our seniors, and our administration for everything they did for this program during the season," added Vecchio. "We will rest for a few days and then get back to work in preparation for next year."
CSUB will take the two-game win streak and adversity-stricken season as fuel into Fall 2022 – year two of Big West action for Roadrunners women's soccer.
~GoRunners.com~
