Adrian Fontanelli is like the funnel that the Chico State soccer team's success flows through. And right now, it is flowing in a very fun direction. Fontanelli, who plays a central midfielder role for the Wildcats, posted a goal and assist in the Wildcats' 2-0 road win at Stanislaus State. Thursday against Cal State East Bay he played just as well, and just missed out on another assist.
Fontanelli is also a valuable part of Chico State's defense, which allowed only six shots on goal in two matches this week.
To understand the value Fontanelli brings to the field, one need look no further than the fact that he's started all 13 of the Wildcats' matches and played nearly every minute of the season. The junior transfer from Santa Rosa Junior College has scored two goals—both match winners—and boasts four career assists.
Fontanelli nearly got the assist on Noah Ross's match winner Thursday night in Chico State's 2-0 win against Cal State East Bay. He delivered a perfect corner kick pass to Ross at the far post. Ross's first header hit the woodwork before he followed it up to give Chico State a 1-0 lead. In Sunday's 2-0 win at Stanislaus State, Fontanelli scored on a penalty kick and assisted (along with Preston Moll) on Ross's second-half goal.
With the two wins, the 'Cats (6-3-4, 3-1-2 CCAA) climbed into third place in the conference standings. They will be back on the road this weekend, playing at Cal State San Marcos Friday and Cal State San Bernardino Sunday.
