California Baptist University
CSU Bakersfield
MSOC PREVIEW: Lancers Return To Riverside to Open Up Home Slate Against CSU Bakersfield
8/29/2024 11:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
RIVERSIDE - The California Baptist University men's soccer team returns home after a stout pair of season-opening contests, taking on American University and No. 6 North Carolina on the East Coast. Both games ended in scoreless draws, but those are still net-positive results as the Lancers bring home two points from two formidable opponents to open the 2024 season.
Scoreless does not mean without action, as both games were played with solid pace and testing scenarios, which the Lancers rose to the occasion of. The backline did well in game one, allowing American only seven shots on the night, with just two on frame. North Carolina was firing early and often, though typically from a distance and at a low percentage. Of the Tar Heels' 25 shots on Sunday night, only 36% were on target, but freshman goalkeeper Hugo Do Rego was up for the challenge, saving all nine shots on goal to blank the Heels in their home opener.
His efforts were rewarded with the first Western Athletic Conference Goalkeeper of the Week award of the new season. Do Rego was the only WAC keeper to record two shutouts during opening weekend and the only keeper in the conference to shutout a ranked opponent. Do Rego was joined by sophomore Otto Gustafsson on the weekly WAC team as the Swedish defender earned Defensive Player of the Week honors. Gustafsson was the only field player for CBU to all 180 minutes of the road trip and was integral in holding the Eagles back and forcing the Heels into low-percentage shots.
CSU BAKERSFIELD AT A GLANCE
Former WAC foe CSU Bakersfield is also unbeaten in this young season, having defeated Utah Tech 1-0 at home before drawing with San Jose State 1-1 in the Bay. Adrian Jogerst and Jesse Wangusi each claimed one goal on opening weekend, two sophomores who showed great promise for the Roadrunners during their freshman season as both were voted to the Big West All-Freshman team after their debut year.
The all-time record between these two programs is short but fierce. Heading into Saturday's match, the series is deadlocked at 1-1-2, with the last two contests ending in 0-0 and 1-1 ties.
GAME INFO:
Date: Saturday, August 31
Time: 7:30 PM
Where: Riverside, California
Venue: CBU Soccer Stadium
LINKS: ESPN+ | Live Stats | Roster | Schedule | Season Stats
