Chico State Athletics

Jake Ward's first-half header proved to be the decisive strike in the Chico State men's soccer team's 2-1 win at previously unbeaten Cal State Dominguez Hills Friday. And that's quite a bonus since this week's Wildcat of the Week winner has done most of his best work on the defensive end.

Ward, a senior from Chico, hit rocket into the upper left corner from just outside the box for his first goal of the season in the 35th minute Sunday, giving the Wildcats a 2-0 lead. They went on to win 2-1. It was Ward's first goal of the season and the third of his career (all game winners).

A starter in each of the Wildcats' first eight matches of the season, Ward leads the Wildcats in minutes played with 715 and has helped anchor a defense that's allowed just six goals while posting a trio of shutouts.

Ward was an Honorable Mention All-California Collegiate Athletic Association selection last season while starting 17 matches.