CSU Bakersfield sophomore Victor Romero was one of three players to register their first career goal on Friday as the men's soccer team defeated Bethesda University of California at the Main Soccer Field.  Romero also added his second career assist to finish with three points. 

On his first shot of his sophomore season, Romero gave the Roadrunners a 1-0 lead in the 21st minute that they would not relinquish as they cruised to a 3-1 win over the Flames.

Just nine minutes later, Ryan Goldsmith came off the bench to make his first touch in a CSUB uniform count.  After just entering the match, the junior took a pass from Sebastian Mentel from about 25 yards out and blasted it past the Bethesda keeper to make it 2-0 in favor of the hosts.

The Flames' Thedim Bernardo scored in the 40th minute to get the visitors on the scoreboard and cut the CSUB lead to 2-1 heading into halftime. 

Freshman Niall Owens put the finishing touches on the match in the 57th minute as he scored in his first collegiate match.  Tom Shepherd registered his second assist of the night on the play and Romero notched his third point of the evening.     

CSUB outshot the Flames 14-8 and led them in shots on goal 5-2.  Detre Bell only needed to make one save to earn the victory in goal.  Bell, Niklas Koerber and freshman Charlie Wilcox, Kendall Burks and Stephon Marcano played the full match for CSUB.  Shepherd led the team with four shots on the night, two of which were on goal.   

CSUB remains at home on Monday when they host Pacific at 7:00 p.m.  The Tigers will be a formidable opponent as they received votes in the United Soccer Coaches preseason Top 25, have made two straight NCAA Tournaments and were picked to win the West Coast Conference in the preseason.