Box Score BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Sophomore midfielder Mark Weigand (Fort Wayne, Ind.) sparked a Pioneers comeback, scoring the game winner as the University of Denver men's soccer team earned a big 2-1 road victory over Mountain Pacific Sports Federation leading and No. 25 ranked Cal State Bakersfield on Friday evening.
"After halftime, the guys came out and played much better soccer in the second half," head coach Bobby Muuss said. "They made plays - blocked shots, finished chances, and Joe Willis made some great saves. The guys could have crumbled after going down a goal, but they showed a tremendous amount of character. To get a win against Bakersfield against one of the best teams we've played, and to do it at their place, is huge."
After a scoreless first half, the Roadrunners (9-4-3, 4-1-3 MPSF) struck first, when Gyasi Zardes scored in the 72nd minute.
The Pioneers (7-5-4, 4-2-2 MPSF) tied the game less than three minutes later, when junior Kellan Christensen (Layton, Utah) collected a loose ball in the box and redirected it to sophomore Alex Tarnoczi (Castle Rock, Colo.), who buried the shot.
Weigand headed in the game-winner in the 84th minute after senior defender Michael Perry (Overland Park, Kan.) centered a pass from the right side.
Senior goalkeeper Joe Willis (St. Louis, Mo.) made eight saves, while CSUB out-shot DU 17-9 and held a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Denver's win, combined with losses by Seattle and San Jose State, clinched DU's berth in the MPSF Championship Tournament. Additionally, the Pioneers are just one point behind first place Air Force in the Mountain Division with two regular season games remaining, including the season finale against the Falcons at CIBER Field on Nov. 6.
The Pioneers conclude their final regular season road swing at Seattle on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. MT.
