A 10-goal scorer as a true freshman two years ago, Chico State striker Jacob Chong got right back to his attacking ways in the Wildcats' season-opening win against Western Washington, notching the match winner Thursday night at University Soccer Stadium.
Chong's first goal of the campaign was one to remember. After subbing in during the 13th minute, the sophomore staked Chico State to the lead in the 29th. Freshman Liam Duerksen won a 50-50 ball in the attacking third and quickly volleyed a pass to Chong, who had his back to the goal about 30 yards out. A decisive touch to his right centered him near the top of the circle above the 18-yard box. He put the ball on his right foot with one more touch and slammed a shot that took a nearly-immediate deflection before quickly rolling beyond the dive of the keeper and inside the far post.
Chong fired off four shots in just 35 minutes of action, two of which were on target, in the 1-0 win. He had four more (three on goal) in 63 minutes Saturday night against Seattle Pacific University in a 1-0 loss in overtime. SPU achieved what few teams have during Chong's recent Chico State tenure by keeping him off the scoreboard. It was just the second match in the Wildcats' last eight that he has not scored.
The 2019 Second Team All-West Region selection and California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Newcomer of the Year, will try to stay hot (adding to his total of eight goals in the Wildcats' last eight matches) Thursday when the Wildcats face Saint Martin's at 1 p.m. in Lacey, Washington.
