The Chico State men's soccer team trailed 1-0 on the road in what was basically a must-win match. The Wildcats were in serious need of a lift. Esten Schroeder gave it to them, and earned Wildcat of the Week honors in the process. Schroeder notched an assist on the match-tying goal, drew a penalty kick to set up the go-ahead strike, and then scored the team's third goal as Chico State rallied for a 4-1 win Sunday at Cal State East Bay.
Schroeder was as unstoppable a force as Mother Nature Sunday. Foggy and rainy conditions were the story of the match before Schroeder stole the show.
The sophomore midfielder had his dangerous shot saved in the 36th minute, but Mikey Hirsch hit a successful rebound from the top of the six-yard box to tie the score. A little more than two minutes later, Schroeder dribbled down the left side, beat a defender, and was fouled in the box to earn a penalty kick. Frankie Palmer converted for a 2-1 lead.
Schroeder struck again less than three minutes into the second stanza. Alex Fluitt crossed to Schroeder, who buried it for his second goal of the season.
Schroeder is now tied for second on the team with two goals and five points.
The Wildcats, winners of five of their last six, will wrap up the regular season at home this weekend against Sonoma State (Friday at 4:30 p.m.) and Humboldt State (Sunday at 11:30 a.m.).
