Sometimes a fully blossomed beard masks things. I'm not referring to the french fries or popcorn kernels that sometimes go missing amidst the mass of facial hair. (Though that can be challenge). In the case of Chico State men's soccer goalkeeper Sam Evans, it's his greatness in goal that goes unnoticed while folks are busy being wowed by his widespread whiskers.
Evans, this week's Wildcat of the Week, wrapped up his Chico State career over the weekend with his school-record 23rd shutout. Already the school record holder in career victories, Evans earned the clean sheet in Thursday's 1-0 win against Seattle Pacific University in the opening round of the NCAA Championship Tournament. He played perhaps the best game of his career to secure the win, matching his personal best with five saves.
The Wildcats tied UC San Diego 1-1 in Saturday's second round, but failed to advance on penalty kicks despite a pair of impressive penalty kick saves by Evans.
Thursday's win was the 37th of Evans' illustrious career. He finished with a four-year record of 37-12-12, having helped lead the Wildcats to three NCAA Championship Tournaments, three California Collegiate Athletic Association Championship Tournaments, and a trio of CCAA North Division titles.
Evans' goals-against average of 0.61 this season is the second lowest in Chico State history, and his career GAA of 0.87 ranks third all time.
His beard? Simply the best.
