Box Score CHICO – Being in the middle of the spotlight on Senior Day is memorable enough, but when you then take the pitch and account for the match-tying and match-winning goals, it makes the final home contest of your Chico State career even more special. Denni Jo Berger and Shelby Dunlap shared that unique experience Sunday afternoon, leading the Chico State women’s soccer team to a come-from-behind 3-1 victory over Humboldt State at University Soccer Stadium.
The win Sunday concluded the Wildcats’ season on a positive note. Chico State finished the 2012 campaign 7-11 overall and in fourth place in the North Division of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) with a 4-10 conference mark. Humboldt State dropped its 10th straight decision to fall to 1-13 on the year.
All the day’s scoring occurred in the second half. The Wildcats and Lumberjacks played to a scoreless draw in the opening period, but both teams let scoring opportunities slip by. Chico State and Humboldt State each took six shots in the half, with Wildcat goalkeeper Brianna Furner and the Lumberjacks’ Amber Woolcock registering three saves apiece.
Humboldt State finally broke the seal in the match’s 57th minute. Lizzie Mitchell took a corner kick from Colette Behen and popped a five-yard header past Furner inside the far post to give the Lumberjacks a 1-0 lead. In the 70th minute, the Wildcats pulled even, as Berger netted her third goal of the year, burying a straightaway five-yard penalty kick into the back of the Lumberjacks’ net.
Chico State went ahead to stay with just over 13 minutes remaining in the second half, and it was the senior Shelby who took a give-and-go pass from Scotie Walker at the top of the goalie box and connected with a high shot that just cleared the near post. Dunlap’s first goal of the season gave the ’Cats a 2-1 lead.
The Wildcats added some insurance in the 86th minute, and this time it was two underclassmen – Walker and freshman Jenny Konishi – that teamed for the goal. Konishi posted her third goal of the season when she took a pass from Walker deep in Humboldt State territory and shot a kick through the right side of the goal. Chico State was able to successfully run out the clock to nail down the season-ending 3-1 win.
Chico State outshot Humboldt 15-12 on the afternoon, with the Lumberjacks holding a 3-1 edge in corner kicks. Furner finished the day with five saves for the Wildcats, and Walker wrapped up a productive weekend in style – Chico State’s leading scorer accounted for a total of two goals and two assists in the ’Cats final two matches of the year.
