BAKERSFIELD, California - Southern Utah's three match unbeaten streak came to an end Friday night as the Thunderbirds dropped a 3-0 decision to Cal State University Bakersfield. The Roadrunners took a 1-0 lead into the break after. CSUB then held then added two more goals in the second period while holding SUU scoreless for the shutout victory.
The Thunderbirds pressed the attack early but were unable to capitalize on their scoring chances. CSUB seized momentum by notching the first goal of the match in the 34th minute when Roadrunner forward Kassi Massey took a pass from teammate Daisy Vazquez inside the box and fired a shot that found the back of the net. Cal State held onto a 1-0 lead into the break after goalkeeper Kym Gause recorded her third save of the match denying Riley Bassett's try for an equalizer in the half's final minutes.
"They took control of the momentum in the first half," said Thunderbird coach Brian Stock of the opening goal. "After they had us down a goal they were able to up their pressure."
CSUB extended their lead early in the second half as Massey blasted a shot from outside the 18-yard box on the left side that bounced off the far post and into the net. The senior forward's second goal of the match gave her team a 2-0 advantage.
The Thunderbird offense would continue to fight to comeback throughout the match, but were held in check by the Roadrunners, ultimately being outshot by a final tally of 11-7.
"Their defense put a lot of pressure on us, and we were not able to get clean looks," said Stock after the game. "They did better at what they do then we did at what we do. We were unable to find and sustain our rhythm."
CSUB tacked on a third score in the game's final minute as Jessica Fogeltanz fired a free kick from the top of box that bounced off the T-Bird wall and into the left side of the goal for a final score of 3-0 in favor of the home team.
With the loss Southern Utah now has a record of 2-2-1 on the year. The Thunderbirds continue their road trip in California as they visit UC Riverside this Sunday. The match is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. (MST).
