Chico State forward Juan Perez's first collegiate goal came much later than he likely envisioned it might when he began his career in the fall of 2017. But it could not have been much sweeter. Perez pounded home the match winner with a left-footed shot inside the far post in Chico State's 1-0 win against Stanislaus State Sunday at University Soccer Stadium, wrapping up an important two-win week for the Wildcats. The Wildcat of the Week also assisted on the Chico State's second goal in Thursday's crucial 2-0 win at Cal State East Bay.
Those results helped lift the Wildcats into fifth place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) standings. Injuries and COVID-19 cost Perez three years following a true freshman campaign during which he played in 12 matches and showed huge promise.
Perez and the Wildcats struggled to find their footing for much of 2021, but as he has picked up his play, so has the team. The Wildcats and Perez hope to continue their positive momentum at home this weekend when they host San Francisco State and Sonoma State.
