CSUDH Advances to NCAA Quarterfinals with 1-0 Victory over CS Bakersfield
Toros win first round of NCAA playoffs on Gabriel Valencia'ssecond half goal in 56th minute
November 10, 2001

Additional Match Photos

CARSON, Calif.-The defending NCAA National Champion Cal State Dominguez Hills men's soccer team began its title defense with a hard-fought 1-0 shutout win over archrival Cal State Bakersfield in the NCAA Far West Region Championship Game today at Toro Field.

Both team's battled to a scoreless tie in the first half which was not exactly what Toros head coach Joe Flanagan was hoping for.

"We had opportunities in the first couple of minutes but didn't finish our chances."

The first period was a great defensive struggle as both squads managed only five shots between them with CSUDH holding a 3-2 edge.

CSUDH broke the scoreless game with a beautiful goal in the 56th minute. Sophomore midfielder Chris Wimmer (Fountain Valley HS) sent a nice cross into the penalty box from the right corner. His pass found junior forward Gabriel Valencia (Salesian HS) who headed in his shot to the near post past Roadrunner goalkeeper Josh Wicks who had no chance to make the save. The Toros defense and senior goalie Luis Morales (Banning HS) made the goal stand up as they held on for the shutout.

"CSUDH came out to play a different game today," said CSUB head coach Simon Tobin. "They've been here before and that makes all the difference. They got behind us once in the second half and that was the difference in the match."

Experience is always a key ingredient to a team's success, however, it becomes even more important in the postseason.

"I thought our experience got us through some tight spots," said Flanagan. "We were able to keep our heads in a very physical match which is a sign of maturity."

In the game, CSUDH out shot the 'Runners 12-7 including 9-5 in the second half. Luis Morales earned the win in goal and 10th shutout of the season with three saves. CSUB goalie Josh Wicks, the CCAA Freshman of the Year, took the loss and finishes with a 11-6-0 record on the year.

Cal State Dominguez Hills, ranked No. 4 in the latest NSCAA polls, elevates their record to 18-2-1. The team now advances to the NCAA quarterfinals and will face the winner of Sunday's Midwest Region Championship against No. 11 West Texas A&M and No. 9 Fort Lewis (CO).

For further information, please contact the CSUDH Sports Information Office at (310) 243-3764.