Box Score CARSON – The Chico State men’s soccer team was hoping to ride a 14-match unbeaten streak into next week’s NCAA Championship Tournament, and in Sunday’s California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Championship Tournament final, the Wildcats were less than 13 minutes from doing just that. But in a battle royal at Toro Stadium in Carson, Cal State Stanislaus foiled the ’Cats’ plans, coming from behind with a pair of late goals to down Chico State 3-2 and claim the conference tournament crown.
Chico State, which entered play as the No. 5 team in the NCAA West Region rankings, dropped to 9-3-6 on the season with Sunday’s loss. The Wildcats, whose appearance in the CCAA Championship Tournament final greatly aided their postseason cause, needs to be ranked among the top six teams in the West Region when NCAA Championship Tournament berths are announced on Monday. Cal State Stanislaus, the No. 8 team in the West, improved to 11-4-3 with Sunday’s win to keep its postseason hopes alive.
Like the regular season finale between Chico State and Stanislaus, the first half was a hard-hitting affair. The Warriors were accessed a yellow card late in the period, and trainers from both teams made several trips onto the pitch. Though the Wildcats outshot Stanislaus 10-4 in the half, it was the Warriors that opened the scoring with a goal in the 13th minute. Midfielder Carlos Gavino connected on a header that just eluded Sam Evans to give the Warriors a 1-0 lead.
Adam Black nearly tied the score in the 39th minute, but his shot on goal hit the crossbar and ricocheted straight down, barely landing outside the net. Stanislaus was able to run out the clock and take the 1-0 advantage into halftime.
Chico State’s first shot of the second half provided the equalizer. Octavio Guzman connected for his first goal of the season, taking an inbounds pass at midfield from Kramer Runager and outrunning the field. Guzman’s shot on the breakaway zipped past Stanislaus goalie Clint Long to make it a 1-1 contest.
The Wildcats went ahead 2-1 in the 63rd minute when Guzman fed Black, who beat his defender and booted home his first goal of the season.
Chico State still led heading into the 78th minute when Stanislaus grabbed control of the match. Gavino delivered a successful penalty kick to make it a 2-2 contest, and with less than three minutes left in regulation, the Warriors scored when Jesse Horta headed Gavino’s free kick past Evans to put Stanislaus back in front. Chico State could not get off a shot in the finals seconds, and the Warriors came away with the 3-2 victory and the conference tournament championship.
Chico State outshot Stanislaus 17-14 and held a 6-2 edge in corner kicks. The two teams combined for 35 fouls, with five yellow cards issued.
The Wildcats will find out their postseason fate Monday afternoon during the NCAA Championship Tournament selection show, taking place Monday at 4 p.m. Pacific time. Fans can access the live video presentation via the official NCAA website.
CLICK HERE to go to the NCAA website men’s soccer page
