Second Half Attack Sends CBU to a 2-0 Start

Monday, August 25

Bakersfield, CA

7:00 PM

California Baptist University

2-0-0, 0-0-0

CSU Bakersfield

0-2-0, 0-0-0

California Baptist

CSU Bakersfield

Photo by: Ryley Collom

Second Half Attack Sends CBU to a 2-0 Start

8/25/2025 9:24:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

By: Matt Horrocks, Assistant Athletic Director of Communications and Digital Media

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. --- Lancer fans got their first glimpse at the future of CBU soccer on Monday, as the Lancers traveled north to Bakersfield to take on a future conference rival, CSU Bakersfield. In the first of six looks at the Big West in the 2025 season, a scoreless first half paved the way for an action-packed second, as the Lancers earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

CBU is 2-0 to start the season for the first time in its Division I era. The last time the Lancers opened the year with back-to-back wins was as a Division II program in 2017.

"We told the team coming in that this would be a very difficult place to play, and it lived up to the billing," said head coach Coe Michaelson. "We know we need to keep growing and improving, because there are plenty of things we can do better, but I'm proud of the guys for showing the grit that they did to come from behind once again and get a big road win tonight."

The Lancers put pressure on Bakersfield in the early going, with their most aggressive chance coming in the 24th minute. Freshman Liam Jones swung a free kick into the box towards the head of Blake D'Agostino. The sophomore striker put his head on the ball but clanked it off the crossbar.

Bakersfield would get an aggressive chance of their own, this one in the 21st minute when a free kick to the left of the box resulted in a headed opportunity by Rashaad Ogun that sailed wide right.

After 53 minutes of scoreless soccer, Bakersfield found the back of the net first as Oshea Foster converted a one-on-one opportunity inside ten yards of the goal.

It seemed luck would not be on the side of the Lancers, especially in the 62nd minute when an injury to freshman Nico Coope caused Michaelson to reenter D'Agostino earlier than planned. But the Preseason All-WAC selection was ready to go as he drew a penalty chance less than a minute after reentering. The sophomore stepped up and converted on the penalty, as his first goal of the year leveled the match.

Two minutes later, in spectacular fashion, Jones gave CBU the lead as he danced around defenders before slotting one home with his left foot. The goal is Jones' third of the season, pushing him to seven points on the year.

The Roadrunners would post one final threat, a breakaway opportunity that saw Chisom Ene head the ball into the goal. However, the assistant referee's flag went up, waving off the goal, and after official review, the call of no goal was upheld.

Goalkeeper Hugo Do Rego faced two attempts on frame as he finished the match with one save. CSUB registered 7 shots, compared to 10 from the Lancers.

The Lancers will return to Riverside this weekend to welcome another future foe from the Big West, Cal Poly. The Welcome Weekend contest is scheduled for 7 p.m. from the CBU Soccer Stadium.

Single-game and season tickets are on sale HERE.