IRVINE, Calif. --- UC Irvine men's soccer came back strong against Cal State Bakersfield to earn a hard-fought 1-0 victory Wednesday evening at Anteater Stadium.
The 'Eaters goalkeeper, Paul Jing, was put to the test early in just the third start of his career after being added the to Anteater roster in early September for goalie depth in an injury-riddled season.
- Jing made three impressive saves in the first half. His best save was his first one stopping Filip Arras on a breakaway in the 13th minute
- The defense came up big in front of their keeper, blocking several key shots from Bakersfield in front of Jing
The 'Eaters lone goal came late in the opening half. In the 43rd minute, Isaiahs Gutierrez sent a ball through the defense to Agaton Pourshahindi who set up Issac Powell on the cross-box pass for a shot to the lower left of the net past the diving goalkeeper and a 1-0 lead
The Roadrunners came out strong in the second half looking for an equalizer registering ten shots. Jing and the defense continued to come up big adding five more saves to his shutout showing and totaling a career high eight saves. He posted his second solo shutout in his third career start and continued his career shutout streak that stands at 237 minutes.
Powell added his second goal of the season, both game-winners, and three goals in his career. Pourshahidi contributed the primary assist, his second of the year, and he continues to lead the squad with 12 points. Gutierrez flashed some skill to set Pourshahidi up getting him his second assist and point of his freshman season.
UC Irvine gains three massive points in the Big West race as they stay within reach of a postseason spot at 2-3 on six points and an overall record of 5-7-1. The Anteaters head out of town to CSUN next for a 7:00 p.m. matchup Saturday, October 20.
