CHICO, Calif. – This time it was the Wildcats who got their hearts broken. Cal State Monterey Bay, which Chico State beat in double-overtime earlier this season in Seaside, turned the tables on the Wildcats Friday night, beating them 2-1 in double-overtime on one of the prettier goals of this collegiate soccer season.

Andy Binol volleyed home a shot from 10 yards away for the game-winning in the third minute  of double overtime. Nick McGill flicked Randy Rigali’s cross over his head and on to Binol, who struck it between the near post and Chico State goalkeeper Michael Keohane for the win.

It was a great birthday present for Cal State Monterey Bay coach Artie Cairel, whose team had struggled through four overtime ties and two overtime losses this season. The Otters improved to 2-9-4 overall with the win and 2-6-3 in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play.

Chico State dipped to 10-4-0 overall and 6-4-0 in the CCAA with its third loss in its last four matches.

The Wildcats controlled much of the match while out-shooting the Otters 17-7 and earning a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks. Cal State Monterey Bay made the most of its opportunities, however, scoring twice in five shots on goal.

Chico State took a 1-0 lad in the 27th minute. Kyle Crain hammered a free kick from 25 yards out off the far post and Zac Crim quickly pounced on the redirected ball and sent it into the near corner of the net.

The Otters also capitalized on a free kick for their first goal. Keohane made a diving save on Kevin Amaral’s free kick from just outside the penalty box, but the ball rolled from his grasp, and Nathan Toricelli was waiting at the far post to knock it in a little more than three minutes into the second half.

The Wildcats will wrap up the home half of their 2008 campaign Sunday against San Francisco State at 2 p.m.

BOX SCORE