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REDLANDS, Calif. -- In a nationally-ranked showdown between the 8th-ranked Christopher Newport men's soccer team and the 11th-ranked University of Redlands, the Captains trailed for the first time this season, but bounced back with two second-half goals to capture a thrilling 2-1 victory on the road. Sophomore Stephen Durbin notched the equalizer and Jimmy Grace put away the game-winning goal as CNU improved to 6-0 for just the fourth time in program history. 

With the come-from-behind victory, the Captains have matched the second longest win streak to start a year in program history, trailing only a 12-game roll to begin the 2010 season. CNU also started the 2000 and 2001 seasons with six straight wins, and all four impressive win streaks have come under head coach Steve Shaw. 

After rolling through the first five games of the schedule, getting to six would prove a tall order against a very talented Bulldogs squad, also entering the game with a flawless 5-0 record. The Redlands defense managed to shut out the Captains potent offense in the first half, marking the first stanza this season the Captains were held empty. On the other end of the field, the Bulldogs would pull ahead in the 11th minute off a long throw-in from the right side of the field. 

A dangerous weapon from the sidelines all game, Keoni Yates delivered a mammoth throw from the corner, finding Ben Thompson for the goal. It was just the second tally allowed by CNU keeper Zach Pedini this season, and halted the team's shutout streak at 382:51. 

Trailing for the first time all season, the Captains offense would control most of the action moving forward the rest of the way. In the first half, CNU managed to earn seven corner kicks and forced Redlands keeper, Josh Haskill, to make a pair of saves. The CNU defense held the Bulldogs to just five shots, and Pedini stopped three attempts on-frame. 

In the second half, the CNU attack was relentless, but most of the play settled in at the middle of the field. In the 52nd minute, Harry Nodwell connected on a beautiful volley that was just wide left, and minutes later, Zachary Ballard connected on a liner headed for the left side but saved by Haskill.

The equalizer would not come until there was less than 20 minutes left to play, when the Captains' leading scorer, Stephen Durbin, connected on his fifth goal of the season. He slipped a low shot into the left corner of the goal, tying the match at a goal apiece. 

Back in the game, the Captains offense did not let up, and connected on the gamewinner just seven minutes later. After a hard rip by Patrick Burns ricocheted off a defender to the top of the box, senior Jimmy Grace collected the loose ball, eyed his options and placed a perfect shot into the right corner of the goal. With just over 11 minutes remaining in the contest, the Captains defense locked down and avoided a couple late chances from Redlands to secure the win.

CNU will put it's sterling 6-0-0 record on the line again with a second game in California this Sunday, September 18, as the Captains face Chapman University (3-2-1) at 1:00 pm local, 4:00 pm eastern.