BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The heat wave in Bakersfield on Thursday night didn't phase Leon Schwarzer, whose first goal in the Green and Gold was a big one as his score in the 72nd minute proved the difference maker in the Dons' 2-1 win at CSU Bakersfield.
 
Schwarzer, a transfer from USC Upstate, weaved through the CSUB defense and connected from five yards out to help USF (1-1) answer a late goal by the Roadrunners en route to their first win of the year on an evening when the temperature at kickoff was an uncomfortable 90 degrees.
 
"The heat took its toll on our guys' bodies," said head coach Eddie Soto. "Guys were cramping up and getting tired, but I'm proud of how our guys grinded out the win.
 
"We've asked Leon to play a more advanced position for us this year and he responded tonight with a great goal."
 
Just prior to Schwarzer's goal, CSU Bakersfield (1-2) had tied the game at 1-1 in the 71^st minute on Jamie Carey-Morrell's penalty kick conversion after a USF foul right on the edge of the box.
 
"To see our guys respond and regroup after that goal and then go on to get the game winner, I was really happy to see," added Soto.
 
A scoreless first half gave way to three goals in the second frame, started when David Garrett connected in the 49^th minute after Joshua Smith offered an assist with a nice deflection toward Garrett near the goal that put the Dons up 1-0.
 
USF outshot CSU Bakersfield in both halves, ending with a 20-14 advantage on the night, including a 10-4 edge in shots on goal as the Dons kept the pressure in the attacking third for much of the evening.
 
The Dons' bench pitched in with some productive support as well in helping secure the victory, which was USF's first over CSU Bakersfield in four meetings.
 
"Sean Bowman and Jorge Ruiz stepped up for us and gave us some really good minutes off the bench, and Andre [Glasnovic] stepped up big time for us as well."
 
Glasnovic picked up his first win of the year in goal, recording three saves in the process.
 
Santiago Digiuseppe led the way for USF with four shots overall, three of which were on frame. Bryce Kaminski also added three shots on goal for the Dons, who forced CSUB keeper Nicolas Clever to make eight saves.  
 
UP NEXT: The Dons host UC Davis in their home opener at Negoesco Stadium on Sunday evening at 7 p.m. The game will be streamed via TheW.tv with Charles Wollin and Joe Dugan on the call.