Men's Soccer Advance to Round Two After Penalty Kicks

BAKERSFIELD, CA – Overtime wasn't enough to decide a winner Wednesday afternoon as the Bakersfield College men's soccer team and the San Bernardino Valley College Wolverines went to penalty kicks, propelling the Renegades to round two of playoffs, which will take place on Saturday at Cerritos College.

SBVC took the early lead at the 10-minute mark. Although Bakersfield was unable to tie the game before the half ended, goalkeeper Victor Melendez kept BC in the game with three saves. The Gades outshot the Wolverines 5-3 despite SB having most of the possession in the first 45 minutes.

Melendez once again defended his net with a save in the first few minutes of the second half. At the 58^th minute forward Jobanni Hernandez found his way through and scored the equalizer for BC. Tensions rise and yellow cards were given on each side trying to rush to add an extra point. Melendez added four more saves in the second half with three minutes of extra time added but the game remained tied at the end of regulation.

In the first few minutes of overtime sophomore Anthony Miron pressed forward with SBVC's goalkeeper coming toward him. Fortunately, for the Renegades the ball got away from the Wolverines and the net was left unattended for the ball to slide in slowly to put Bakersfield ahead 2-1 into the first overtime half. San Bernardino Valley forced the game into penalty kicks with a late goal in the second half of overtime.

BC and SBVC first penalty kicks were saved. Goalkeeper Melendez lifted his team to a victory saving one more goal for the Gades to make 4-3 against the Wolverines.

Bakersfield will travel to Cerritos college on Saturday for a 2:00pm kickoff. BC has already faced the Falcons at their home earlier in the season and was one of two teams who gave CC their only ties in the season. The Falcons have yet to lose a game, the Renegades are hoping to end their streak this time around.

You can purchase your tickets in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cccaa-mens-soccer-playoffs-1-cerritos-vs-16-bakersfield-tickets-468880262487 or pay cash in person at the door. 

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