Lancers Battle Golden Eagles in Tulsa

Saturday, September 17

Tulsa, Okla.

5 PM

California Baptist University

3-3-1, 0-0-0

Oral Roberts

4-2-1, 0-0-0

California Baptist

Oral Roberts

Photo by: Elijah Hickman

Lancers Battle Golden Eagles in Tulsa

9/17/2022 7:31:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

By: Daniel Cook, Assistant Director of Athletics Communications

TULSA – The California Baptist University men's soccer team made its final non-conference road trip of the season, traveling to Tulsa, Okla., for a match against Oral Roberts University. The Golden Eagles took a hard fought 2-1 victory, improving to 4-2-1 on the year, while the stumble pushes the Lancers' record to 3-3-1 with one final game to play before conference play starts.

"We have an excellent team, and teams are looking for just a moment for the opportunity to hit us with a counter, and unfortunately tonight we had two bad moments in a short span in a game where we had complete control," commented Head Coach Coe Michaelson after the game. He added, "It's essential we play with the urgency for 90 minutes that we have shown late in our recent games, and it's vital that we stick together. If this is the adversity we need to unlock our full potential, then we can live with that, but we need to respond immediately. And I believe we will."

The first half began slowly, but the Lancers picked up the pace by firing off four menacing shots, two of which forced a Golden Eagle save. ORU responded with four shots of its own, capitalizing on two in the 35^th and 38^th minutes to take a 2-0 lead into the half.

The second half was played with more pace and intent and it paid off for CBU in the form a goal in the 77^th minute by Leo Mendez. The goal was his first this season and fourth of his career, and tallied the first career point for Guechane Kinzunza, who assisted in the box.

❗️G⚽️AL❗️ Leo Mendez cuts the deficit in half and the Lancers are cooking now! Gesh Kinzunze assisted on the play!#LanceUp⚔️ pic.twitter.com/xtB3rVkT3x
— California Baptist Men's Soccer (@CBUmsoccer) September 18, 2022

The Lancers would get a few more good looks after that goal, but were not able to connect on the equalizer. The Lancers had opportunities, outshooting the Golden Eagles 13-9, putting nine on frame, and dominating corner kicks by a count of 6-2.

The men will return home for the highly anticipated Crosstown Showdown against UC Riverside on Thursday, September 22, at 7 p.m. on campus at the CBU Soccer Stadium. Last year's battle was won in dramatic fashion as the Lancers netted a Golden Goal winner in overtime on the Highlanders' home field.