Box Score
(San Francisco) – San Francisco scored its first goal of the season and gave itself chances for more, but CSU Bakersfield seized a 3-1 non-conference victory Thursday night at Negoesco Stadium. The Dons (0-2-0) could not contain sophomore Gyasi Zardes, who registered his second hat trick in as many games for the Roadrunners (2-0-0).
Trailing 1-0, San Francisco scored its first goal of the 2011 season on a volley from sophomore midfielder Mauricio Diaz De Leon. The equalizer was set up by a deflected shot by freshman striker Miguel Aguilar in the 59th minute. USF started 10 underclassmen with five freshman and four sophomores earning starting assignments.
"I thought we did some good things in the second half and applied some pressure and got some opportunities," USF head coach Erik Visser said. "In the second half I thought Bakersfield's experience really showed. Slowly but surely the pieces are coming together. We have to regroup and make some adjustments before we take on a quality Sacramento State team."
Gyasi provided the game-winner 10 minutes later on a highlight reel strike from the near post to the upper V from 12 yards. The Hermann Trophy candidate made it 3-1 in the 66th minute on a bending line drive to the far post from 13 yards for his sixth goal in 180 minutes of the 2011 season.
CSUB held a 12-9 shot advantage, 6-2 after the intermission. The Dons applied pressure, particularly in the first half, firing four shots on frame.
Diaz De Leon fired a team-high three shots for the Green and Gold, while Aguilar added a pair. Zardes led all players with a game-high six shots.
Sophomore Jojo Vitale (0-1-0) suffered the loss for the Dons and made one save, while Eric Shannon (2-0-0) earned the win for the Runners.
San Francisco returns to action Sunday when it travels to the state capital for a showdown against 2010 NCAA Tournament participant Sacramento State. Game time against the Hornets is set for 4:00 PM.
