Bakersfield – Freshman Andres Perez De Gracia saw his bending shot pushed just wide by the UC Santa Barbara goalkeeper, and the California State University, Bakersfield men's soccer team settled for a hard-earned, scoreless draw, Wednesday night at The Main Soccer Field. The Roadrunners improved to 0-2-1 in Big West play, while the defending champion Gauchos fell to 2-0-1.
 
"There were some moments tonight when both teams dug in, but I don't think the score reflects the number of chances for either team," said CSUB Head Coach Richie Grant. "We had some wonderful chances to win the game, including one cleared off the line at the end of the game that could have snatched the win. Our attacking qualities came from our defensive effort tonight, and that took our whole squad buying in." 
 
First Half...
* The two teams played to a scoreless first 45 minutes, with CSUB outshooting the Gauchos 8-7. 
* UCSB goalkeeper Leroy Zeller made four saves, while Bakersfield counterpart Filippo Dadone made two stops in the 'Runner goal. 
* Juan Pablo Alvarez earned his 4^th caution of the season in the 40^th minute. 
 
Second Half...
* The visiting Gauchos held a 9-8 advantage in shots attempted in a thrilling second half, that featured several chances without a goal.
* Bakersfield's best chance of the night came in the 87^th minute, when Carlos Armendariz picked up a loose ball in the defending half and weaved his way to the top of the Santa Barbara 18-yard box. Armendariz found midfielder Andres Perez De Gracia alone at the top of the box, but the freshman's potential game-winning strike was turned aside by a diving Leroy Zeller.
 
Notable...
* Filippo Dadone finished with two saves, and was excellent off his line all night, in earning his third shutout of the season.  
* Eight Roadrunners played the full 90 minutes, including defenders Shammai Cammara,  Harry Downing, Bryson Hankins and Connor Walsh.
* Bakersfield earned its first point against a ranked opponent since a 2018 win over #7 Air Force at The Main Soccer Field.
* Each team registered 16 shot attempts, with CSUB holding a 5-2 advantage in shots on goal. Carlos Armendariz led the 'Runners with five shots, while Andres Perez De Gracia took four.
* The 'Runner successfully defended 10 Santa Barbara cornerkicks.
 
Up Next...
The Roadrunners welcome UC San Diego to The Main Soccer Field, for a 7 p.m. kickoff Saturday night. Saturday is high school night, featuring $5 tickets for all high school students or staff who bring their student ID card to the Bakersfield box office. General admission tickets are available on GoRunners.com/Tickets or by calling 661.654.BLUE.