The Cal State University Bakersfield women's soccer team finally broke their season-long scoring drought and losing streak with a significant 2-1 victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Thursday night. The Roadrunners, who had lost their first four matches without finding the back of the net, showcased a determined performance at home, much to the delight of the 1,026 fans in attendance.
In a match that marked the first victory for interim head coach Martin Navarro Jr., the Roadrunners got off to a fast start. CJ Walters netted the opening goal just nine minutes into the game, followed by a second goal from Jaiden Gore in the 29th minute. This early lead proved crucial as the team managed to hold off a late charge from the Islanders, who finally scored in the 65th minute through MyJoi Anderson.
Navarro, who stepped into the head coaching role after Whitney Pitalo departed in March, has been a part of the program for four years, initially joining as a graduate assistant in 2022. His familiarity with the team and its dynamics likely contributed to the Roadrunners' spirited performance against a Texas A&M-Corpus Christi squad that had entered the match unbeaten.
Despite being outshot 16 to 2 in terms of shots on goal, the Roadrunners made their opportunities count. Goalkeeper Addyson Evens was instrumental in securing the win, making an impressive 14 saves throughout the match. The Roadrunners' ability to capitalize on their limited chances while maintaining a strong defensive effort was key to their success.
Both teams faced challenges during the match, with a scuffle in the 23rd minute resulting in red cards for CSUB's Tania Tapia and TAMCC's Jenna Largent, leaving both sides to play with ten players for a significant portion of the game. The Roadrunners' goals were assisted by Olivia Green and Daniela Osejo, highlighting the collaborative effort that led to their first win of the season.
Looking ahead, the Roadrunners will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next match against the University of San Diego on Sunday at 4 p.m. Following that, they will return home to face Boise State on Thursday at 7 p.m. for Hometown Heroes Night, where they will look to continue their positive trajectory.
In addition to the women's soccer team's success, the CSUB women's cross-country team also had a noteworthy performance, finishing third at the Pepperdine Waves Invitational. The Roadrunners scored 72 points, trailing behind Pepperdine and USC, who finished first and second, respectively. Sophomore Ava Leisenfelder led the team with a ninth-place finish, demonstrating the strength of the CSUB athletic program across multiple sports.
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