SACRAMENTO, Calif. - CSU Bakersfield (1-7-1) secured their first win of the season, defeating Sacramento State (1-7-2) by a score of 1-0 in a tightly contested match at Hornet Soccer Field on Wednesday evening.
The match saw both teams create multiple scoring opportunities throughout, with CSU Bakersfield ultimately finding the decisive goal. The Roadrunners demonstrated their offensive intent early, with Joey Velasquez testing the goalkeeper in the 7th minute with a low shot to the left corner.
The first half featured an aggressive display from both sides. CSU Bakersfield's Nathan Jimenez threatened in the 10th minute with a shot toward the left corner, while Sacramento State's Vincent Padilla responded with a dangerous attempt in the 4th minute. The Roadrunners maintained pressure through Rashaad Ogun, who struck the woodwork in the 12th minute, and Jesse Wangusi, who fired wide in the 15th minute.
The second half saw increased intensity from both teams. CSU Bakersfield's Oshea Foster generated multiple opportunities, including shots in the 47th and 51st minutes. Sacramento State's Eli Reyneveld tested the Roadrunners' defense with attempts in the 54th and 60th minutes. The match's physical nature escalated late, resulting in four yellow cards in the final ten minutes, including cautions to Filip Arras of CSU Bakersfield and Sacramento State's Jonathan Dadzie, Amjot Narang, and Hiroshi Yang.
Final statistics reflected the match's competitive nature, with CSU Bakersfield recording 14 shot attempts to Sacramento State's 13. The Roadrunners managed six shots on target compared to the Hornets' three, while also holding a slight edge in corner kicks (4-3). Both goalkeepers were active, with CSU Bakersfield's keeper making three saves and Sacramento State's recording five stops.
Several players stood out individually throughout the match. CSU Bakersfield's Oshea Foster was particularly active in the attack with multiple shot attempts, while Bogart Roca provided a strong presence in midfield before being substituted in the 83rd minute. For Sacramento State, Vincent Padilla created several dangerous opportunities before being withdrawn late in the second half.
The tactical battle saw both teams employ aggressive pressing strategies, particularly in the middle third. CSU Bakersfield's approach focused on quick transitions through the wings, while Sacramento State attempted to build play through the central channels, evidenced by Leonardo Martinez's creative movements before his 69th-minute substitution.
This victory marks a significant turning point for CSU Bakersfield, breaking their winless streak and providing momentum heading into conference play. For Sacramento State, despite creating numerous opportunities, the result extends their challenging start to the season.
The match featured multiple momentum shifts, with both teams enjoying periods of dominance. The introduction of fresh legs through tactical substitutions, including CSU Bakersfield's changes in the 83rd minute bringing off Joey Velasquez and Bogart Roca, helped maintain the high-intensity pace throughout the full 90 minutes.
Looking ahead, CSU Bakersfield will aim to build on this victory when they travel to face CSUN on October 4, while Sacramento State looks to rebound at home against Cal State Fullerton on the same date.