PORTLAND, Ore.--The University of Portland came from behind to defeat CSU Bakersfield 2-1 in the opening match of the Nike Portland Invitational Friday night.

Preseason All-American Gyasi Zardes (R-Jr., Hawthorne, Calif., Leutzinger HS) scored on a penalty kick in the 37th minute to give the Roadrunners the lead. Steven Evans tied the score in the 55th minute when converted from six yards out. Evans scored the gamewinner when he drilled the ball into the upper left corner of the CSUB net from 30 yards out with 12:12 remaining.

A Zardes shot in the 82nd minute was saved by Portland keeper Justin Baarts. Kory Kindle's (Sr., Ventura, Claif., Ventura HS) attempt with 1:22 to go was also saved by Baarts to secure the victory. CSUB outshot the Pilots 19-15, 9-7 on goal. CSUB held the corner kicks' advantage 7-6.

"It was a superb game," said CSUB head coach Simon Tobin. "We should have put the game away at 1-0. We had some great chances to get a second goal, but squandered them. I'm disappointed with the result, but not the way we played."

The Roadrunners get All-Conference midfielder Jesus Sanchez (Sr., Chula Vista, Calif., Castle Park HS) back on Sunday when CSUB takes on Washington at 12 p.m. Sanchez sat out Friday's contest serving a one-match suspension for two yellow cards against UC Davis Aug. 27.

~www.GoRunners.com~

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