It did not take Cooper Renteria very much time to make a massive difference for the Chico State men's soccer team last weekend. The sophomore from Sacramento came on as a sub in each match, assisting on the golden goal in Friday's 2-1 win at Cal State Monterey Bay and then scoring the match winner in Sunday's 2-0 win at Cal State East Bay to earn Wildcat of the Week honors.
Renteria played 26 minutes Friday, hitting the crossbar on his only shot attempt before flicking a ball to the far post for Samuel Licona's match-winner in the 106th minute.
He saw 25 minutes of action Sunday, and again made his opportunity count.
Late in the first half a Pioneers defender attempted to clear a bouncing ball in the box. But he only got a touch on it, rolling it back out toward the top of the 18. Renteria, who had been lurking near the PK spot, ran the ball down, and in one powerful motion, turned his hips and ripped it one time through traffic inside the right post.
The goal was Renteria's second of the season. The sophomore also scored the match winner earlier this season against Concordia (Ore.).
The Wildcats, who improved to 5-2-1 overall and 3-1-0 in the CCAA with the two wins, will head back out on the road this weekend before finishing the regular season with five of their last seven at home. They will take on Cal State San Bernardino Friday and Cal Poly Pomona Sunday.
