Men's Soccer Defeats Cal State Bakersfield, 3-1, In Spring Charity Game
April 12, 2003
Bakersfield, CA - Defending NCAA Division I champion UCLA took a 3-1 decision in a soccer friendly from NCAA Division II power Cal State Bakersfield Friday night on the CSUB Main Soccer Field. The game was played as a benefit for the Los Angeles chapter of the ALS Foundation (Lou Gerhig's Disease).
Both teams played without their seniors, but the level of play was intense and entertaining. The difference in the game was a UCLA backline that rarely allowed CSUB a clean look at goal.
The Bruins struck first just seven minutes into the match when junior forward Matt Taylor finished an Adolfo Gregorio pass from inside the box for a 1-0 lead. Roadrunner goalkeeper Josh Wicks made two nice one-on-one saves to keep CSUB in the match through the first half.
The 'Runners had a chance to equalize on 35 minutes when freshman forward Nick Angelillo got behind the Bruin defense at the top of the penalty area only to stumble over the ball with goalkeeper Nate Pe?a guessing.
UCLA got the insurance goal it would ultimately need midway through the second period when a Gregorio blast from the right corner of the penalty area gave Wicks no chance. Freshman Jordan Harvey had the assist on the play.
The 'Runners pulled one goal back in the 82nd minute when freshman reserve Greg Knittel beat Bruin goalkeeper Eric Reed and two defenders to a Kyle Gookins cross on the doorstep. CSUB nearly equalized two minutes later when Reed went to the far left edge of the penalty area to clear a ball under pressure and mishit his clearance attempt. CSUB's Sean Luque had a chance to onetime the ball into an exposed goal but didn't get good leather on his half volley attempt and sent it well wide.
The Bruins put the game away in the 89th minute when a Phillip Harr cross found Luke Mehring alone at the far post. Mehring tapped it in for the 3-1 final score.