ALL THINGS EQUAL

Saturday, August 15

Riverside

5 p.m.

California Baptist University

Cal State San Bernardino

8/16/2009 3:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer

RIVERSIDE, Calif. --- Jonathan Garcia will remember his first collegiate goal for a long time, and for good reason.

Not only did it come in the rookie's first collegiate game, but it also saved California Baptist University from sure defeat.

With the Lancers trailing by a score and the final minutes ticking away, Garcia hammered home the equalizer in the 82nd minute, and the Lancers salvaged a 1-1 tie with Cal State San Bernardino in their season opener Saturday before a hefty Lancer Field crowd of nearly 250.

“The boys showed tremendous character and terrific fight and worked hard to get a result,” said second-year Head Coach Ryan Jorden. “To give up a goal off a deflection like we did was unfortunate, but they stuck with it and were rewarded in the end.

The Coyotes got on the board first in the 28th minute when Obi Agwu fired a shot that deflected off the outstretched foot of a Lancer defender and caromed over the head of Lancer keeper Jeff Redinger. It seemed as if Agwu's strike would stand as Coyote keeper Arath De La Rocha came up with nine saves, including one of Spenser Steele, who was a pest all day and broke loose on a breakaway in the 74th minute.

However, Garcia collected a ball about 20 yards away from the goal and ripped a low right-footed shot that zipped towards the far post and snuck by De La Rocha's left and into the net.

“The unit we had there in the latter part of the second half began to find some rhythm and showed the ability to be dangerous,” said Jorden. “We know that Jonathan can serve a good ball from the outside, but he can also strike a good ball. That's a pretty good way to start your career.”

With momentum on their side, the Lancers nearly found a winner just five minutes later, but De La Rocha was able to push Gabriel Gonzalez's bender just over the cross bar.

But the theatrics didn't stop there.

Less than two minutes into the first overtime, the Coyotes went on a dangerous counter attack, and Jose Godinez broke past the Lancer defense. Just as his counterpart did, though, Redinger was up to the task and not only stoned Godinez but also saved Billy Pellow's shot off the rebound.

Redinger finished with four saves, all of them coming after halftime. The Lancers out-shot the Coyotes, 18-14.

“This turned into a pretty good match for an opener,” said Jorden. “The guys worked hard and kept it exciting for a good home crowd. It was a nice environment and hopefully we gave them a good reason to come back.”