Men's Soccer Loses for the First Time at Home in Conference Play to CSUB

Friday, November 1

Durwood Stadium

7:00 PM

Kansas City

5-9-0, 4-5-0

CSU Bakersfield

6-9-0, 5-4-0

CSU Bakersfield

Kansas City

Men's Soccer Loses for the First Time at Home in Conference Play to CSUB

11/1/2019 9:20:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score Box Score

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Men's Soccer team was looking to stay perfect at home this season in conference play, having previously started 3-0 at Durwood Stadium. The Roos couldn't climb back into the game after falling behind 2-0 and lost by a final score of 2-1 to CSU Bakersfield. Kansas City moves to 5-9-0 overall and 4-5-0 in the conference, now with some work to do in order to make the top seven to qualify for the Western Athletic Conference Tournament.

"Really tough loss," Head Coach Rick Benben said. "The guys gave everything they had, so I am very proud of their effort."

The Roadrunners got off to a hot start. In the 10th minute Kendall Burks sent a long-throw into the box straight to the head of Niklas Korber who headed it past Filippo Errico into the net. The throw was a beauty and put the 'Runners up 1-0 early. The Roos couldn't muster much on the offensive side in the first half, putting up just one shot. CSUB controlled the ball for most of the first half and really put the pressure on the Roos with nine shots. GK Filippo Errico stood his ground with four saves to keep Kansas City within striking distance.

Kansas City came into the second half with a whole new approach. The team seemed much more fluid offensively. Just two minutes into the second half, an attacking Ryan Khedoo sent a shot in the box, but was denied by the 'Runners GK Detre Bell. It was the first real chance for KC and a good one at that to equalize.

The defense for both teams battled for most of the second half. In the 69th minute, the Roos were caught attacking forward and the 'Runners were off on the counter. Ryan Goldsmith sent a great through ball to Pedro Moura for a one-on-one chance against Roos GK Errico. Moura prevailed with the goal to give CSU Bakersfield a 2-0 lead with 20 minutes remaining.

Kansas City knew it had to go heavy on the attack to get back into the game. In the last twenty minutes, the Roos put up five of its eight total shots. In the 74th minute, the Roos finally broke through the back line of the 'Runners tough defense. Aiden Cavanaugh sent a beautiful ball into the box for Nate Temm. The 'Runners GK was forced to come out of the net and Temm brilliantly played a ball back to Mikhail McComie for the finish. That goal marks McComie's second on the season and Nate Temm's second assist as well. Kansas City could not find the equalizer in the limited time remaining.

The loss is a stinger late in the season, as the Roos are fighting for a top-seven spot in order to qualify for the WAC Tournament. As it stands right now, the Roos move out of the top-seven into T-8th place in the WAC. California Baptist, who is in the top seven can not compete in the WAC Tournament this season, leaving the door open for another team to adavance below them. All remaining games are pivotal for the Roos. With the win, the 'Runners who were tied with KC coming into this game, move to T-3rd in the WAC.

Up Next
Kansas City will play its final home game on Sunday vs. California Baptist at 2 p.m. The Roos will celebrate its four seniors: Filippo Errico, Ian Hodge, Antoine Precheur, and Giacomo Caruso on Senior Day.