Gouk leads ’Runners to victory
against University of Denver
By Taylor Gombos
Staff Writer
utayo2003@yahoo.com
Manny Beltran/The Runner
Roadrunners beat Air Force 2-1. Story on Page 7.
On a day that was devoted to recognizing the four seniors on the 2009 CSUB men’s soccer team, who were competing in their last home game, it was a junior who took the spotlight and led the Roadrunners to a victory.
Junior forward Robbie Gouk scored two goals to lead the ‘Runners to a 3-0 victory over the University of Denver on Nov. 1.
Gouk scored his first goal in the 16th minute of the match as he took a pass from senior midfielder Omar Heredia and headed the ball into the net.
Gouk’s second goal came three minutes later when he took a pass from sophomore forward Ken Taylor, and once again, headed the ball into the net.
Mark Nessia/ The Runner
A University of Denver defender flinches as Robbie Gouk blasts a shot by him.
Heredia added a goal to complete the scoring for the ‘Runners.
’Runner goalkeeper Eric Shannon recorded his fifth shutout of the season and faced five shots and recorded five saves.
“It’s exactly what we wanted to do. Come out quick and score three quick goals. We held the tempo up real well and were strong defensively to hold them off,” said senior midfielder Joe Polifroni.
Mark Nessia/The Runner - Matt Shaxton takes a shot against Air Force.
Fellow senior Matt Shaxton echoed Polifroni’s words: “It’s perfect on your last home game on senior day to finish in such a great fashion. Since I’ve been here, we have never won a game more convincingly.”
After the match, seniors Heredia, Shaxton, Javier Barba, Politfroni and junior Oscar Coppieters who is graduating early, came onto the field for a ceremony recognizing and honoring them for playing in their last home game.
Robbie Gouk celebrates after scoring one of his two goals against the University of Denver.
Polifroni said that his favorite memory was just competing on the Main Soccer Field.
“It’s been wonderful. Ever since I was a freshman, just being out under the lights at 7 o’clock every Friday.
“I’ve played some of the best soccer of my life on this field. I’m going to miss it a lot.”
“I was a transfer and I came here the last year. I came to a great group of guys,” Heredia said. “Everyone is nice. Everyone is trying to get the best out of you. I felt like I came to a big program, a good program that’s growing a lot. I wish I would have come sooner,”
With the win against Denver and a home win against Air Force 2-1 on Oct. 30, the ’Runners have an overall record of 8-6-2 and a 3-3-0 record in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.
The ’Runners will finish up their 2009 season on Nov. 8 at Seattle University.