BAKERSFIELD, Calif.—In a battle of a pair of nationally ranked MPSF men’s soccer teams, No. 5 New Mexico (13-0-2, 7-0 MPSF) defeated No. 22 CSU Bakersfield (9-2-4, 5-2 MPSF) 2-0 Sunday afternoon at CSUB’s Main Soccer Field.

The Lobos, who were outshot 16-3 by CSUB, took the lead in the 41st minute when Carson Baldinger headed in a Michael Green corner kick from short range. Blake Smith took advantage of a CSUB turnover and scored in the 67th minute for the insurance goal.

A physical match, New Mexico was called for 19 fouls (compared to five for the Roadrunners) and six yellow cards. Baldinger’s second yellow of the match resulted in a red card at 68:26 and his ejection from the match. The Roadrunners were also called for two yellow cards during play. CSUB held a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks.

“If that is the No. 5 team in the country, then we are right there with them,” said CSUB head coach Simon Tobin. “I think we were the better team in the first half, give them credit, they came in here and played well. We will meet them again in the conference tournament and I feel good about that matchup.”

The Roadrunners head to Colorado for a pair of matches next weekend. CSUB is at Air Force on Friday night at 6 p.m. (PDT) and Denver on Sunday at 12 p.m. (PDT).

~www.GoRunners.com~

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