MEN'S SOCCER SUFFERS FIRST CONFERENCE LOSS TO NO. 25 RANKED CSU BAKERSFIELD

10/7/2011

Chris Bettencourt had a team-high four shots but the Hornets could not score against CSUB.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Sacramento State men's soccer team lost, 3-0, to CSU Bakersfield for the first time in its Div. I history on Friday afternoon at Hornet Field as the No. 25 ranked Roadrunners remained undefeated on the season.

The Hornets (5-4-1, 1-1-0 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation) suffered their first conference loss of the season while the Roadrunners improved to 6-0-4, 2-0-0 just days after making their first ever appearance in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America national top-25 poll.

Sacramento State had posted a 4-0-2 record all-time against CSU Bakersfield since the program moved to Div. I in 1991.

Gyasi Zardes, who ranked No. 2 in the NCAA with 11 goals entering the game, scored in the 68th minute for the Roadrunners. Kory Kindle had the first goal of the game in the 20th minute for CSU Bakersfield while Lucas Dall'Orso added the second in the 58th minute.

Zardes had a game-high 11 shots with six shots on goal. Chris Bettencourt had four shots and three on goal to lead the Hornets.

Sacramento State keeper Cesar Castillo was under constant pressure in the game and made seven saves while allowing all three goals. CSU Bakersfield's Eric Shannon earned the win after playing the first 80 minutes of the game while Anthony Perez was in for the final 10 minutes.

CSU Bakersfield has a 21-13 edge in shots and 7-5 advantage in corner kicks. The Roadrunners were also whistled for more fouls (20-13) while the Hornets had all three yellow cards in the contest.

Junior college transfer Chris Sandoval made his first career appearance for the Hornets after battling injuries for the start of the season and redshirting due to injury last year.

Sacramento State will look to rebound on Sunday when head coach Michael Linenberger's squad plays host to Seattle U at 1 p.m.