As a true freshman last season, Chico State women’s soccer player Pooja Patel made quite an impact – so much so that she earned All-California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) and All-West Region accolades. Now in her second year with the Wildcats, the Livermore native has ratcheted up her game to an even higher level, and is one of the key cogs in the team’s early season success, which included weekend wins over Cal State East Bay and Stanislaus State. Her outstanding efforts have earned Patel Wildcat of the Week honors.
Patel figured in every score for the Wildcats over the weekend as they downed both the Pioneers and Warriors to improve to 7-2-1 on the season and 3-1 in CCAA play.
Friday against East Bay, Patel delivered a cross to Lindsey Dias, who booted home the game’s first goal. Patel then provided some insurance in the 22nd minute with a goal of her own as Chico State went on to blank the Pioneers 2-0 at University Soccer Stadium.
Sunday versus Stanislaus, Patel was right back in the scoring mix, contributing a pair of assists. She dribbled down the right flank and shot a cross to Dias at the near post, who found the back of the net in the 22nd minute to put the ’Cats on the board. Six minutes into the second overtime period, Patel beat her defender and ripped another cross to Dias, who connected on a header to give Chico State a thrilling 2-1 victory.
Patel leads the Wildcats in goals (5), assists (5) and points (15), while ranking in the CCAA’s top five in all three categories.
Chico State travels to Southern California this weekend to take on Cal State Dominguez Hills Friday and Cal State L.A. on Sunday.
