Moraga, CA – The Saint Mary’s(m) men’s soccer team continued its impressive play to open the 2010 season following a 1-0 home win over the No. 17 ranked Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners on Sunday afternoon from Saint Mary’s Stadium.

The Gaels (4-1-1) got the games only goal in the 32nd minute, as Concord, CA native Justin Grider scored his first goal of the season. “Justin has put himself in some great spots to score goals this year, but he just hasn’t been able to hit the finishing touch, and today he did,” said head coach Adam Cooper.  “It was a good throw, a good flick, and overall a pretty good goal.”

The goal came on a header from six yards out off a SMC throw-in in the 32nd minute of play.  Nathan Arambula took the throw-in from the right sideline. When his throw reached the middle of the box, Trevor Newquist’s flick-on header found a wide-open Grider, who then placed the header into the back of the net.

The Gaels battled all day, as they were outshot 13-9 by Soccer America’s No. 17 ranked Roadrunners (4-1-0).  Cooper added, “This was a very good win, and a gutsy win.  Bakersfield is a very good team. We’ve had to make some adjustments with the amount of injuries we’ve had, and with Trevor going down today, our guys battled, played their roles, and found a way to get a good result and post a shutout.”

SMC goalkeeper Doug Herrick tallied four saves in the game to post his third shutout of the season and second straight.

Dylan Leslie was the only player to have multiple shots for SMC, as he finished with two shots and one on goal.  Peter Carlson had three shots to lead the Roadrunner and Richard Menjivar and Gyasi Zardes have a pair of attempts.

The Gaels return to action on Friday, September 24 with a road game against Stanford. The rematch of the 2010 NCAA Tournament first round game will kick off at 7 p.m. from Cagan Stadium.