The CSU Bakersfield men's soccer team provided a big home crowd with plenty of fireworks as they defeated Pacific 3-0 on Monday night to improve to 2-0-0 on the young season. 

With people filing in to the Main Soccer Field to get a glimpse of the new Chevron STEM Zone and to participate in the annual Rowdy Run for new students on the first day of school, the Roadrunners did not disappoint.  A formidable opponent, Pacific played in the last two NCAA Tournaments and was receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 rankings. 

A pair of CSUB freshman got the home fans into a frenzy as Francisco Gomez headed a cross from Niall Owens past the Tiger keeper.  It was Gomez's first goal and Owens' first assist of their young careers. 

Despite being outshot 6-2, the Roadrunner defense hung tough to head to the locker room leading 1-0. 

In the second half, Sebastian Mentel thwarted the Pacific comeback attempt when he took a cross from Ryan Goldsmith and poked it through Ethan Bandre's legs to give CSUB a commanding a 2-0 lead with just over 20 minutes remaining in the match.  It was the second time in two games that Goldsmith and Mentel hooked up as Mentel assisted on Goldsmith's goal against Bethesda on Friday night. 

Goldsmith finished off the Tigers when he pitched the ball over Bandre's head on a pass from Niklas Koerber to end the scoring in the 87th minute. 

The `Runners continue their homestand on Friday when they host Sacramento State at 7:00 p.m.  CSUB will play at home again on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. against future Big West foe UC Davis.

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