Sophomore midfielder Stephanie Galarze snatched her first career goal and added an assist to her statistics as the Matadors contained California State University, Bakersfield, 2-1, in a non-conference match at Roadrunner Stadium on Thursday night.

In the Matadors fourth road win of the season, Galarze dished a pass to Desiree Cardenas in the 17th minute for a goal. Then Galarze struck the net in the 83rd minute of the game that led to the CSUN victory.

Galarze had a brilliant game. In the first half she streaked down the field for 17 yards and connected with Cardenas, who knocked the ball in the net for her fourth goal of the season and sixth of her career.

Galarze, who now has four points on the season, credited her performance with her effort to go after the ball.

“After Farryn Townley took a shot, I just finished my run and kept moving toward the ball,” Galarze told the CSUN Athletic Department. “It feels great to get my first career goal and I am happy to help our team get the win.”

The Matadors took an early lead with the goal by Cardenas and the team was not threatened until Roadrunner Sam Pena tied the game in the 55th minute. Pena, who received a yellow card in the 30th minute, was assisted by teammate Tyler Shirk who ran down the field and moved the ball to Pena who short-kicked it through the Matadors net.

The teams then went into full drive. Both sides let shots fly, with the first coming from sophomore forward Melissa Fernandez after the Pena goal. Shirk then equaled Fernandez with a shot of her own in the 67th minute that went wide. Fernandez took another shot soon after in the 69th minute. Senior midfielder Sonia Espitia took a shot on goal in the 74th minute followed by a high shot from Roadrunner Kassi Massey in the 77th minute.

Ultimately, Galarze scored her game-winning goal that put out Cal State Bakersfield for good, as the Matadors would maintain possession of the ball for the duration of the game.

Head coach Keith West thought the team played well and talked about the deep bench the team has this year.

“We moved the ball well against a good opponent tonight,” West told the CSUN Athletic department. “We were able to get 21 players out on the field and that speaks to the quality and depth of our side.”

CSUN outshot Bakersfield 11-8 and had an advantage with shots on goal 8-1. The Matadors recorded 10 fouls in the game with Alexis Barbara picking up a yellow card in the 63rd minute of the game. Cal State Bakersfield was whistled seven times with both Pena and Tara Corcoran taking yellow cards on the night.

Roadrunner goalkeeper Kym Gausse recorded six saves on the night.