Reporter
The CSU Bakersfield women’s soccer team barely missed their shot at redemption from last year’s match against the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, losing 2-1 Friday night at the Main Soccer Field.
In the 81st minute, with the score tied at 1, UNLV senior midfielder Sophie Cortes scored the go-ahead goal with an assist from redshirt-sophomore forward Micheala Morris. It was Cortes’ second goal of the match.
“We played some great soccer and we defended for our lives tonight, that’s what we want to be about,” said CSUB coach Gary Curneen. “We want people to come out and see that energy and passion of what this team has and I think they accomplished that tonight.”
After a scoreless first half, UNLV (7-1) took a 1-0 lead within the first 6 minutes of the second half.
In the 51st minute, Morris made a pass to junior forward Caitlyn Kreutz who dished it to Cortes. Cortes scored to finish the play, giving UNLV the lead.
CSUB (5-4) tied the match in the 68th minute when redshirt-junior midfielder Alexa Orrante scored on a penalty kick. It was her fourth goal of the season.
The Roadrunners dominated the ball in the first half, outshooting the Rebels 8-7.
“UNLV has always been a competition for us and has always been something that we measure ourselves up to,” said CSUB sophomore goalkeeper Jordan Bertram. “Our mentality going into this game was great, we wanted to give them that same competition that they’ve given us.”
Bertram finished with seven saves on the evening, a season-high.
“The last time we played UNLV I felt they had the upper hand, but this year we wanted to prove ourselves, we’re finally measuring up and are getting to the teams we want to be beating,” said Bertram.
Redshirt-junior forward Aminah Settles took a team-high three shots-on-goal Friday night.
“Her performance was excellent,” said Cureen. “She played phenomenally.”
“Going into this game our strategy was keeping up the pressure and play as a team, that’s the most important thing, said CSUB junior midfielder Haley Vicente. “We needed to keep together in order to break down UNLV.”
Up next, the Roadrunners are scheduled to take on Sacramento State on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Main Soccer Field.
