Box Score HAYWARD – The Chico State men’s soccer team posted its third shutout in four matches and fifth in the last eight Friday night at Cal State East Bay. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, they were also held without a goal for the first time all season in a scoreless tie.

But that’s not to say the Wildcats didn’t score at all Friday night. That result, coupled with Sonoma State’s 2-0 home loss against UC San Diego, kicked the ’Cats into sole possession of first place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association’s North Division.

Chico State, ranked No. 4 in the West Region entering the weekend and unbeaten in its last six matches (3-0-3), is now 5-2-3 overall and 4-1-3 in the CCAA. Cal State East Bay, which also earned a draw with the Wildcats in Chico on Sept. 16 thanks to a goal with one second left in regulation, is now 2-5-3 overall and 1-4-3 in conference play.

Wildcats goalkeeper Sam Evans, between the pipes for every minute this season, registered his 14th career shutout Friday with four saves, moving into sole possession of fourth place on Chico State’s career list. He’s now eight shy of Tom Liner’s school record. The junior remains fifth in career wins with 24, six shy of Liner (1988-91).

Chico State finished the night with a 16-12 edge in shots and 7-4 advantage in shots on goal. The Wildcats also led in corner kicks 8-3. 

Chico State will now head down the coast to Seaside to face Cal State Monterey Bay Sunday at 2 p.m.