It was a gorgeous night and a wonderful environment in which to play soccer Friday night at Chico State’s University Soccer Stadium, though it’s safe to say that both Chico State and Cal State Stanislaus would have liked to see it end a bit sooner than it did. The host Wildcats and Warriors played a full 90 minutes of regulation and then 20 minutes of overtime before settling for a 0-0 draw in front of 1,050 fans on a cool, clear evening under the stars.
Perhaps the only person in a foul mood during the match was the referee, who issued 10 yellow cards – six to Cal State Stanislaus and four to the Wildcats. The Warriors were whistled for 20 fouls in all and Chico State 17.
The Wildcats, playing just its second home match of the season, are now 4-2-3 overall and 3-2-2 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. They moved one point ahead of Cal State Monterey Bay for second place in the North Division with the draw while keeping a one-point cushion on Cal State Stanislaus, which they beat 2-0 back on Sept. 11 in Turlock. The Warriors are now 5-3-1 overall and 3-3-1 in the CCAA. Sonoma State leads the North Division with 15 points, Chico State has 11, and Cal State Monterey Bay and Cal State Stanislaus 10 apiece.
The winners of the North and South Divisions will advance to the Conference Championship Tournament, along with the two teams with the next highest point totals regardless of division. Right now, those two teams would be Cal State Dominguez Hills (13 points) and Cal State L.A. (12).
The Wildcats seemed destined for more than a draw during Friday’s first half in which they outshot Cal State Stanislaus 8-1. They created danger on numerous corner kicks and free kicks, but could never punch one in. Things were much more even in the second half and overtime.
Still, Chico State finished with an 11-7 edge in shots and a 10-2 advantage in corner kicks. Chico State’s Tyson Crim took seven of those shots and Ferid Celosmanovic was limited to a pair. Josh Handley led Cal State Stanislaus with two shots.
Chico State goalkeeper Sam Evans collected one save, and his counterpart Bill Hambelton made three as they each registered their second shutout of the season.
Chico State plays its second of four straight home games Sunday against Humboldt State at 2 PM. UC San Diego and Cal State San Bernardino will visit University Soccer Stadium next weekend.
BOX SCORE
