Women's Soccer: Regional Ranking

For the first time in program history, the CSUB women's soccer program has earned an NSCAA Pacific Region ranking. The Roadrunners checked in at No. 10, tied with BYU. The region primarily features teams from the Pac–10 and the Mountain West.

The 2–0 start marks just the third time in program history the team has began the season with two victories. For anyone that was able to make it to the games, not only did the outcome suit Roadrunner fans but each were incredibly exciting to watch, from the kick off until the final buzzer. As exciting as the UC Riverside last minute corner kick, it was trumped two days later as San Diego lined up for a free kick with just 38 seconds remaining. San Diego came in as the nation's No. 13th ranked team and dismantled Cal State Northridge on Friday, 3-0, before heading to Bakersfield.

A couple thoughts from the weekend:

1. Kym Gause asserted herself as the Roadrunners' starting keeper with 180 minutes of strong play. Against UCR, Gause was never tested directly but made a couple of nice grabs on crossing passes. It was a different story against San Diego who peppered her with nine shots on goal. She finished with eight saves and the lone goal she gave up was a 50-50 ball in the box that she just couldn't quite reach in time.

2. The defensive back line was incredible all weekend. Jamie Havelin has picked up right where she left off last season and is improving with every minute of action she sees. The addition of Tara Corcoran to the center back slot has really opened up the field. Her ability to control and create was a welcome sight for 2009. Freshman Brittany Thomas put together a couple of strong games. She looked controlled and really complimented the play of the rest of her line. One of the bigger surprises on the back line is junior Sarah Gaskins. The crafty converted forward has made more than one jaw drop with her ball handling on the back line. The newest defensive addition, freshman Raquel Gervas, showed early that she has Van Dyke's trust as she was called upon in the second game to take an important, and ultimately game tying, penalty kick. Gervas did not disappoint, burying the shot.

3. Sam Peña and Alexa Ngo in the midfield really played off each other well and should continue to step up their play as they play more minutes together. Peña's goal against Riverside showed her creative ability. One of the more unlikely contributors was Breanna Flores. After seeing little action as a freshman, Flores has earned the opportunity for more playing time. I was told she was one of the team's most improved players during the off season.

4. Great to see Kassi Massey get on the board early in the season. 2008's leading scorer was looking for a strong start to her season. I had to listen for a year about how good Daisy Vazquez was and her debut didn't disappoint. As I said in an earlier post, I expect her to score a goal sooner rather than later. A big game from junior Denise Hernandez on Sunday. Not only did she draw the foul to get the penalty kick but her defensive presence was a main contributing factor in the victory.