Championship Central >>> | Box Score | UCD presser 
DAVIS, Calif. - No. 4 seed UC Davis secured a 2-1 victory over fifth-seeded Cal State Bakersfield on a blustery day at Aggie Soccer Field in the first round of the 2024 Big West Men's Soccer Championship.

With the win, UC Davis (9-5-5) advances to take on top-seeded Cal Poly on Sunday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Last year, the Aggies advanced to the Championship match as the No. 4 seed, falling in penalty kicks. Meanwhile, Cal State Bakersfield closes the year at 7-6-4 after making their second postseason championship field.

All three scores in the game came in the second half. Keegan Walwyn-Bent put away the game-winning goal with under seven minutes to play in regulation for UC Davis. Lucas Fernandez-Kim and Cason Goodman were key playmakers on the play, providing the assists to Walwyn-Bent. 

The Aggies got the first goal of the game on a set piece from Cole Pond to Zach Neuls in the 70th minute. Two minutes later, Cal State Bakersfield evened the score after being awarded a penalty kick that was successfully converted by Bryson Hankins. 

UC Davis held a 12-9 shot advantage in the game, 8-4 on shots on-goal. The Aggies outshot the Roadrunners 8-1 in a 0-0 first half. UC Davis goalie Noah Schwengeler recorded three saves on the day.