SAN FRANCISCO – One thing you can count on since Head Coach Felipe Restrepo took over the Chico State men’s soccer program three years ago – the Wildcats start the season with both guns blazing. Following the tradition of seven straight wins to open the 2008 season and a 6-1-1 start last year, the ’Cats ran their 2010 record to a perfect 4-0 with a 2-1 victory over San Francisco State Sunday afternoon at Cox Stadium.
The win not only maintained Chico State’s unbeaten status on the season, but raised its California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) conference record to 2-0. San Francisco State fell to 2-2 on the year and 0-2 in CCAA play.
The Wildcats were on the offensive from the opening whistle, attempting 11 shots in the first period, five of which were shots on goal; the Gators, meanwhile, attempted only one shot in the first 45 minutes of play. With the ball on San Francisco State’s half of the pitch for most of the period, Chico State’s constant pressure resulted in the match’s first score at the six minute mark – the Gators allowed the ball to sneak into their own goal, giving the Wildcats a 1-0 lead.
Later in the period, Chris Akwaja connected for his second goal of the season, taking a cross pass from Josh Borja and booting it past San Francisco State goalkeeper Eric Scolman in the 37th minute to extend the ’Cats advantage to 2-0.
The Gators’ defense tightened up in the second half, holding the Wildcats to just five shots, and in the 77th minute, San Francisco State cut the deficit in half as Edgar Villagranda took a pass from Sasha Chalak and beat Chico State goalie Sam Evans on a breakway to make the score 2-1. But the ’Cats answered by clamping down on defense for the remainder of the match – the Gators were unable to get off a potential match-tying shot in the final 13 minutes, and Chico State came away with the 2-1 victory to sweep its Bay Area road trip.
The Wildcats outshot San Francisco State 16-4 on the afternoon, including 11 shots on goal. Chico State also had a 5-2 advantage over the Gators in corner kicks.
BOX SCORE
The ’Cats return home this Friday and Sunday for their first home conference matches of the season, taking on a pair of CCAA South Division rivals. Friday at 7 p.m. Chico State faces Cal Poly Pomona, with Cal State San Bernardino visiting University Soccer Stadium Sunday at 11:30 a.m.
