OREM, Utah— Air Force defeated CSU Bakersfield 2-0 in the first round of the Western Athletic Conference Men's Soccer Tournament Thursday afternoon at Clyde Field.

The Falcons (13-6-1), the third seed, got on the board in the 31st minute when John Sims put away a Tucker Axhoj cross from six yards out.  Austin Dewey extended the lead with his ninth goal of the season in the 57th minute. Luis Martinez and Oscar Charon were credited with assists on the play.

CSUB's best scoring chance came in the 68th minute when Sam Gomez headed a Marshall Garcia corner kick towards the Falcons' net. An Air Force defender playing on the goal line, kicked the ball away, keeping the shutout intact.

“Full credit to Air Force, they are a tough team,” said CSUB head coach Richie Grant. “The first goal was very important for us. We created some great chances in front and come back.”

Air Force outshot the Roadrunners (the sixth seed) 12-8 (6-4 on goal), while CSUB held a 11-4 advantage in corner kicks. Nicolas Clever made four saves while his Falcons' counterpart made two saves. The Air Force defense was credited with two team saves.

“I'd like to thank Hugo Vinales and Nick for their contributions to our program over the past four years,” Grant said. “We wish them both the very best as they move onto life after CSUB.”

CSU Bakersfield ends the season with a 6-13 record. Air Force advances to the semifinals when the Falcons will play the second seed, Seattle U on Nov. 11 at 3 p.m. (MT).

~www.GoRunners.com~