This past Sunday, the Dons defeated the CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners 2-0, conquering their 5th win of the season. Although neither team managed to score in the first half, the Dons returned to the field recharged for the second half.
With just a few minutes left in the first quarter, Dons’ junior Kristina Hall took the second corner-kick of the game. Although successfully placed near the goal, the Dons goalie was able to block the shot attempt by Bakersfield.
The Dons returned the second half to a scoreboard reading 0-0. The first half was a time of strong defensive playing from both teams. The second half was a time of sheer dominance by the Dons offense.
Nine minutes into the second half Nicole Moore, scored her fourth goal of the season. Freshman Abbey Kaufman held her assist. Moore broke the two-year goalless streak of the Dons v. Bakersfield.
Twenty-three minutes into the second half the Dons subbed in Megan Bucci, Kelli Woodard, Katherine Kimure, and Molly Hall. The new roundup from coach Mark Carr proved wise as the Dons scored yet another goal moments later. Alexis Mielke scored the second and final goal of the game capping a strong progression from Kristina Hall. Kristina gained control of the ball mid-field and charged down the center of Negoesco Stadium with three opponents at her heels. She quickly passed the ball to teammate Mielke, who finessly and deliberately placed the ball in the open goal. Bakersfield’s goalie was unable to regain her composure after falling to her knees in an attempt to block Mielke’s initial fake shot.
Bakersfield fought back aggressively with six shots, making it a total of eight shots by the end of the game. In attempts to ward off the Roadrunners, the Dons received two yellow cards: one to Jane Shook, and the other to power player Kristina Hall with only two minutes left in the game. Bakersfield’s many goal attempts were not enough to keep the Dons from a 2-0 victory.
The Dons go into this Friday’s game against Seattle University with a record of (5-5-2). The game will be held at home, at Negoesco stadium at 5:00 p.m. Seattle University has a (5-3-2) record which should pose much competition for the Dons. The Dons are now ranked 5th in the WCC.
