Chico State Athletics

Dylan Wakefield’s minutes have been on the increase throughout the season. Sunday, Wakefield provided his biggest moment yet for the Chico State men’s soccer program.  The sophomore from Elk Grove rammed home the match-winning goal in the 77th minute, giving the Wildcats a 2-1 win at Cal State San Bernardino at earning Wildcat of the Week honors.

Omar Nuno found Wakefield on a free kick and Wakefield’s low liner found the left corner of the netting for his second goal in the last four matches.

Wakefield claims that the best advice he’s ever received is: “Respect is earned. Work hard for what you want.”

It appears he has lived up to that motto. After redshirting during his first year in the program, Wakefield saw the pitch sparingly last season, netting just 11 appearances. He’s already appeared in 12 matches in 2015 and his minutes are on the uptick.

After playing just five minutes in the Wildcats’ season opener, he’s played 39 or more in each of the past seven. He logged a season-high 61 Friday at Cal Poly Pomona and played 50 more on Sunday.

Wakefield and the Wildcats will play their final four regular season matches at home beginning Friday against UC San Diego.