CBU Takes Gonzaga Down To The Wire

Monday, September 13

Spokane, Wash.

7 pm

California Baptist University

3-1-1, 0-0-0

Gonzaga

4-2-0, 0-0-0

California Baptist

Gonzaga

Photo by: Zac Zeman zaczeman.com

CBU Takes Gonzaga Down To The Wire

9/13/2021 9:16:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

By: Daniel Cook, Assistant Director of Athletics Communications

SPOKANE - California Baptist University and Gonzaga came into Monday's match having split a pair of games in 2018 and 2019, but the 2021 result would give the 'Zags the series lead after completing the comeback to win by a score of 3-2. The result drops the Lancers' record to 3-1-1 on the season while Gonzaga improve to 4-2.

"The guys know we let one get away we shouldn't have tonight. With our physical state, we needed some guys to step up, and I really thought they did, but at 2-1, with the number of chances we had to put it away, it's a result that is hard for the group to accept," said Head Coach Coe Michaelson. "As well as we played for long spells, when you make a few mistakes and don't capitalize on your dominance, a result like this is always possible. This game can be cruel but if we keep the attitude and mentality right, these things generally have a way of evening out over time."

CBU roared into the first half, scoring on the second shot of the game. Bryan Iliohan had his first shot attempt blocked by a Bulldog defender, but the deflection earned CBU an early corner kick. Luis Mueller lined up his approach and dropped a pass onto Iliohan's head, which zipped into the back of the net for the first score in the eighth minute.

A perfect ball in from Luis Mueller sets up Bryan for a flick and a score!#LanceUp⚔️ pic.twitter.com/FQFqKLDQpM
— California Baptist Men's Soccer (@CBUmsoccer) September 14, 2021

The goal snapped a 278-minute defensive scoreless run the Bulldogs had built over the course of three shutout games coming into tonight's contest.

The Lancers continued their offensive push by earning three more corner kicks and putting three shots on frame in the next eight minutes. The third shot, a flick from Iliohan's right foot, was lifted just over the charging arms of the Gonzaga keeper and rolled into the net as Iliohan collected his second career brace as a Lancer.

With a flick of his right foot, Iliohan gives the Lancers a two-goal lead!#LanceUp⚔️ pic.twitter.com/qJHxWLMZ6S
— California Baptist Men's Soccer (@CBUmsoccer) September 14, 2021

The Bulldogs would cut the lead in half in the 24^th minute as the two teams would enter halftime with a 2-1 score line in favor of CBU.

The second half saw no let down in speed or action as CBU pressed Gonzaga offensively, earning six more corners and rattling off 10 shots in the period. Despite the Lancers' efforts, the 'Zags would be the team to find the back of the net, tucking in an equalizer in the 72^nd minute.

Gonzaga would keep applying the pressure and eventually broke through in the 88^th minute to score the go-ahead goal. The Bulldog defense would hold up for the next two minutes and change to secure their fourth win in a row, simultaneously handing CBU its first defeat of the season.

UP NEXT

The long road trip continues, as the Lancers will prepare to take on CSUN on Friday, September 17, at 6 p.m. at Matador Soccer Field. Northridge is still searching for its first win of the season after beginning the season at 0-6. This first-ever official meeting between the two programs can be seen on ESPN+.