BAKERSFIELD, Calif.—Bakersfield (2-3-1) and UC Riverside (4-0-2) played to a 1-1 tie Thursday night at the Main Soccer Field.
The Roadrunners scored first when Alex Flores (Jr., Sylmar, Calif., Birmingham Community HS) headed in a Joe Masumiya (R-Jr., Lakewood, Calif., Lakewood HS) corner kick in the 23rd minute. For Flores, a defender, it was his first career goal. The Highlanders tied the score at 41:35 of the first half when Aaron Long converted a penalty kick.
“I was happy we only gave them a goal on a penalty where they didn’t really break us down which is a bit of a plus,” said Bakersfield head coach Simon Tobin. “Our goal was an excellent play and I’m happy.”
Bakersfield outshot Riverside 24-15 (6-5 on goal). Both teams had chances late in regulation to take the lead. Lucas Dall’Orso (Jr., Orange County, Calif., JSerra Catholic HS) hit the post for Bakersfield with just over 11 minutes to play. Ivan Garcia also hit the post in the 83rd minute. Roadrunner midfielder Christian Duarte (So., Houston, Texas, Clear Springs HS) hit the crossbar with a little under seven to play.
“I think Lucas had a real good look and again, you get to the top level at college for this, you have to kind of finish there,” Tobin said. “They got one off the post as well, but I mean we hit the bar. I think the look that Lucas had was probably the best look. It was right in front and he steered it, I mean it was off the post, but you probably would hope that he would do better that.”
Bakersfield is off until Sept. 27 when the Roadrunners host No. 25 UC Irvine in a 7 p.m. match.
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