California Baptist University
1-3-4, 0-0-0
UC Riverside
2-4-1, 0-0-0
Do Rego Saves PK, Earns Third Shutout of the Season In Crosstown Showdown
9/25/2024 10:44:00 PM | Men's Soccer
RIVERSIDE - California Baptist University men's soccer competed in the sixth-straight iteration of the Crosstown Showdown on Wednesday, playing the UC Riverside Highlanders to a nil-nil draw at CBU Soccer Stadium. The result completes the Lancers' non-conference schedule for the season, ending with a 1-3-4 record with the eighth hardest strength of schedule in Divison I. UCR finished with their first draw of the season and now stands at 2-4-1 heading into Big West action.
After the match, Head Coach Coe Michaelson reflected on the result, stating, "This has been a grueling non-conference, and we are happy to see the end of it. UCR is another good team, and the derby always has a bit extra. There were some good things in that game, but mostly, our focus is on using the next eight days as a pre-season for conference."
CBU's best offensive look came early, in the 22nd minute, as Josh Hallenberger sent a long cross in from out near the out-of-bounds line and found a streaking Leo Mendez. The pass was nearly out of Mendez's range, but an extra burst of speed got him there as he put a strong left foot behind it inside the six-yard box, but the Highlander keeper had just enough reflex to get his hands up and deflect it out of the danger zone where a defender sent it out for the CBU corner.
The Lancers and Highlanders each recorded four shots on goal and four saves, but none were more important than the penalty shot that Hugo Do Rego saved in the 70th minute. After a debatable whistle was given in favor of a UCR attacker in the box, Do Rego took his spot on the line. After a few bounces from him and a few steps from the shooter, Do Rego sprung to his right, making a kick save after the Highlander left his shot more central than anticipated. The ball cleared out of the box as Do Rego fist-pumped in celebration, unknowingly sealing the draw and earning CBU one point on the night.
"We finally get to take a breath and train a bit, and places are up for grabs. The next week or is vital," Michaelson added looking ahead to Western Athletic Conference play which starts against Utah Tech and UNLV next week. The Lancers will first travel to St. George on Thursday, September 3, for their WAC opener against Utah Tech, followed by a bus ride to Las Vegas to take on the Rebels of UNLV on Sunday, September 6. Both games are set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. Pacific.
