CBU Wraps Up The Regular Season With A Hard Earned Win At Air Force

Sunday, October 29

USAF Academy, CO

12 PM

California Baptist University

7-5-4, 5-1-2

Air Force

1-14-2, 1-6-1

California Baptist

Air Force

Photo by: Rayleigh Rogers

CBU Wraps Up The Regular Season With A Hard Earned Win At Air Force

10/29/2023 2:27:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

By: Daniel Cook, Director of Athletics Communications & Digital Media

COLORADO SPRINGS - California Baptist University men's soccer concluded the regular season with its annual battle against Air Force, always a formidable opponent and never a layup of a game, in the altitude of the Air Force Academy just outside of Colorado Springs. Severe weather and below-freezing temperatures at kick-off forced the game indoors in the Air Force practice facility, resulting in a 3-2 victory for the Lancers.

The win cements the Lancers into the two-seed of the upcoming Western Athletic Conference men's soccer tournament, providing a welcomed bye into the second round. CBU finishes the regular season with a 7-5-4 record overall and a 5-1-2, the highest winning percentage (.750) in conference since joining the WAC in 2018.

"This is always a tough place to play, over 7000 feet, against a hard working and disciplined opponent, and on their senior day," said Head Coach Michaelson after the game. "While we are disappointed by the nature of the goals we gave up, at the end of the day the most important thing was winning and wrapping up the 2 seed.

The scoring opened up in the 18th minute by Leo Mendez, who gave the Lancers the early 1-0 lead. Air Force would answer 20 minutes later to send the game into halftime level at 1-1. After the break, Mendez secured his brace, scoring again in the 59th minute, assisted by Drew Hardin.

Michaelson went on to add this about the return of his senior striker Leo Mendez, "It was also nice to have Leo back. He showed what we were missing on Thursday, with two goals and an assist. When we are at our best, it inevitably includes both Leo and Luis playing at a high level, so it was good to see them both on the score sheet today."

Luis Mueller would add a crucial insurance goal in the 87th minute as the Falcons would add a late score in the 89th minute. Thankfully, Mueller's goal, which proved to be the game-winner, kept CBU ahead on the scoreboard and secured three points instead of one in the regular season finale.

The Lancers will play again in Las Vegas in the second round of the WAC Tournament, slated for Wednesday, November 8. Game time and opponent are still to be determined as seeding for the tournament still needs to be set.

Michaelson summed up the result saying, "We are excited to see what we draw for the WAC Tournament. There are no easy matches, but it's nice to have our part done."