Score: UC Davis 2, Cal State Bakersfield 1
Location: Davis, Calif.
Records: UC Davis 9-5-5 (4-3-2), Cal State Bakersfield 7-6-4 (4-3-2)
The short story: UC Davis men's soccer delivered a thrilling performance as
Keegan Walwyn-Bent scored the game-winner in the 84th minute, propelling the Aggies to a first round victory over the Roadrunners and advancing to the Big West Championship Semifinal.
PITCH SIDE
- The win for UC Davis is their fourth straight, extending their winning streak which dates back to Oct. 23
- Walwyn-Bent and Zachary Neuls each netted goals for the Aggies, with both coming in the second half
- Cole Pond provided the assist on Neuls' goal with a perfectly placed ball off a set piece
- Lucas Fernandez-Kim and Cason Goodman also earned assists on Walwyn-Bent's game-winner, showcasing the prowess of the All-Big West selections
- The UC Davis backline was exceptional, limiting the Roadrunners to just four shots on target, with the only goal allowed coming from a penalty on a reviewed handball in the box
- Noah Schwengeler made three crucial saves, keeping Cal State Bakersfield at bay
- Contributions also came from Andrew Dutra, who had a near-goal bounce off the crossbar, and five Aggies including Luke Goodman, Carson Hammond, Gavin House, C. Goodman, and Pond, all of whom played the full 90 minutes
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Aggies dominated the first half, firing eight shots and pressuring Roadrunners' keeper Zenden Hart, who made five of his six saves in the first half
- Despite their efforts, UC Davis couldn't break through the tough wind conditions, leaving the score level at halftime
- The Aggie backline allowed just one shot in the first half
- UC Davis took the lead in the 70th minute with a goal from Neuls, set up by Pond's perfectly placed ball off a set piece
- The Roadrunners quickly equalized with a penalty kick following a handball in the box
- Undeterred, Fernandez-Kim made a critical run in the 84th minute, slicing through the middle of the pitch and finding C. Goodman, who crossed to Walwyn-Bent for the left-footed finish and game-winner
- UC Davis did not allow a shot after Walwyn-Bent's goal, securing their advance through the windy conditions
NEXT UP: UC Davis will continue their season on the road, traveling to the No. 1 seed Cal Poly for the Big West Championship Semifinals. Kickoff against the Mustangs is this Sunday, Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. PT.
