California Baptist University
Cal State San Bernardino
STRONG STARTERS
8/23/2008 7:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
RIVERSIDE, Calif. --- The Ryan Jorden era got underway in impressive fashion Saturday evening as California Baptist University defeated Inland Empire rival Cal State San Bernardino, 2-0, in the Lancers' season opener.
Jorden, who was hired in the offseason as just the program's fourth head coach, became just the second mentor to win his CBU debut. It is the Lancers' fourth straight season-opening victory.
The game counts as an exhibition for the Coyotes per NCAA rules and will not go on their record.
Right from the start, the Lancers went on the attack as they took the first five shots of the contest. In the tenth minute, Cody DeGrood collected a ball near midfield and found Gabriel Gonzalez, who flicked a ball over the defense and to a waiting Osvaldo Bastida. With CSUSB keeper Tyler Kahn rushing, Bastida took one touch and beat Kahn to the near post for his first collegiate goal and a 1-0 Lancer lead.
“The first 25 minutes we were dangerous,” said Jorden. “We were knocking it around and creating chances. As the game wore on, though, we started to fatigue, and as a result the game started to get away from us. We need to figure out a way to work through that and put together a full 90 minutes. It will come as we get more fit.”
Bastida's strike stood through the intermission, and the Lancers got their insurance goal in the 51st minute. Casey Cordray stole a ball in the Lancers' defensive third of the field. He then sent a long pass to the left side of the field to Gonzalez, who flicked it to his right and around a defender. Gonzalez then tucked away his first goal to put the game out of reach.
The Lancers, out-shot the Coyotes, 11-8, and sophomore Jeff Redinger collected four saves, including a late save on a point-blank free kick to ice his second career shutout.
“For me, there's nothing better than shutting people out and working hard defensively,” said Jorden. “Secondly, it's great to be undefeated after one game. We are growing and trying to develop a mentality for winning. We've got a long way to go, but our goal at this point is to take positive steps every time out. The guys put the work in today to get the result. On game day, I'm nothing more than a cheerleader and an equipment guy. It was the guys who did the work today.”
CBU next hosts Cal Poly Pomona Tuesday at 10 a.m.
