Last Minute Goal Decides Game Against UTRGV

Friday, October 25

Riverside, Calif.

3:00 PM

California Baptist University

4-9-2, 3-3-1

UT Rio Grande Valley

8-3-1, 4-2-1

UTRGV

California Baptist

Last Minute Goal Decides Game Against UTRGV

10/25/2019 5:37:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

By: Daniel Cook, Assistant Director of Athletics Communications

RIVERSIDE -- The Lancer defense held strong, even when holding their own with just 10 men on the field, but ultimately conceded the decisive goal in the 89^th minute. The loss drops the Lancers to 4-9-2 overall and 3-3-1 in WAC play.

"That was always going to be a difficult game, short-handed as we were, but the red card really made it a sort of mission impossible." Coach Coe Michaelson said, "I give great credit to the guys for fighting their way into the 90^th minute, and we were defending well enough that I felt we had a chance to get something from the game."

The Vaqueros came into the contest tied with CBU in the WAC standings at 3-2-1, but the win bumps them into sole possession of third place, trailing Utah Valley and Seattle U, both of whom have five wins.

The first half was saw a lot of exchanging of possession, but not a lot of challenges on the goals. CBU managed to just three shots in the opening half, while the Vaqueros put three of their seven shots on-frame.

The most dangerous shot in the first forced a beautiful sliding save by senior keeper Albert Escuin.

🇪🇸🙅‍♂️

Albert Escuin makes an early save on a threatening pass inside the box by the Vaqueros We're still scoreless in Riverside 10 minutes into the first half!#LanceUp⚔️ pic.twitter.com/SDD26OXZML
— CBU Men's Soccer (@CBUmsoccer) October 25, 2019

After returning from the locker rooms, both teams played with a bit more pace, sights set on breaking the scoreless line from the first half.

However, just three minutes into the second half, a Lancer red card changed the tide. Now playing a man down for the remainder of the half, the Lancers' defense was stretched thin, and their offensive chances were few and far between.

The Vaqueros brought the pressure and would tally another seven shots in the second half, eventually heading in the game-winning goal with just 89 ticks left in regulation.

Albert Escuin finished the game with six more saves to add to his impressive season stat line, while Tete Vacas provided the most offensive pressure for the Lancers with two shots.

Coe added, "We've come through a really challenging slate of conference games in a respectable position, so now we focus on Sunday and the final push to climb up the table and make it a strong conference season."

Californa Baptist will regroup an return to their home pitch on Oct. 29, to host the Cardinals of Incarnate Word at1:00 p.m.