Mike Janjigian’s job is, first and foremost, to keep the ball out of the net. But so far this year, he’s made headlines by putting the ball in it. The Chico State freshman defender scored the game-winning goal in the Wildcats’ season-opening 2-1 win against Western Washington Thursday night and then assisted on the team’s lone goal in a 1-0 win against Seattle Pacific on Monday night. He’s been named the inagural 2010-11 male Wildcat of the Week for his efforts.
Oh yeah, and Janjigian has helped Chico State’s defense hold its two opponents to a total of one goal on just 12 shots. Not a bad start to his career.
Janjigian, who redshirted last season, is now tied with returning All-California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) selection Chris Akwaja for the team lead in points, goals and assists.
His first collegiate goal came in the 88th minute Thursday when he knocked home a deflected header from the top of the six-yard box to lift the Wildcats to a thrilling 2-1 victory over Western Washington in the season opener for both teams.
Urged by Wildcats Head Coach Felipe Restrepo to move into the box for a corner kick more than likely because of his strapping 6-foot-3 frame, Janjigian was there to pounce after Western Washington goalkeeper Christian Warman was unable to corral Akwaja’s header at the far post. It bounced twice to Janjigian, who jammed it home.
Monday, Janjigian tallied his first collegiate assist. He just got the top of his head on Ryan Nevarez’s long throw in and it skimmed off to the near post where Ferid Celosmanovic waited. He let it get beyond him and clear the post before looping his right foot behind his left leg and directing the ball into the net to make it 1-0 in the 61st minute.
Janjigian and the Wildcats will open CCAA play on the road next weekend. The Wildcats will travel to Cal State Monterey Bay on Friday and San Francisco State Sunday.
