When the 2012 California Collegiate Athletic Association soccer slate comes to an end, it’s quite likely that fans will look back to the looming weekend at University Soccer Stadium as one of it’s most gripping storylines. That’s because Chico State men’s soccer team is preparing to host the two rivals who currently pose the greatest threats to the Wildcats’ quest for their third straight CCAA North Division title.

Cal State Stanislaus is in town Friday for a 4:30 showdown and Sonoma State arrives Sunday for an 11:30 a.m. affair.

Chico State is 4-2-1 overall and 3-1-1 in the CCAA and coming off a crucial 1-0 overtime win at Sonoma State last Friday. Sonoma State still leads the North Division at 5-2-1 overall and 4-1-1 in the CCAA, but the Seawolves went 0-1-1 at home last weekend, falling to Chico State before playing to a 1-1 draw with Cal State Stanislaus. The Warriors are 4-1-2 overall and 2-1-2 in the CCAA.

Chico State’s win in Rohnert Park last weekend, capped by true freshman Matt Hurlow’s golden goal in the fourth minute of overtime, was the Wildcats fourth in their last six meetings with their long-time rivals.

Despite invariably tough matches, the Wildcats have managed to go 7-2-1 against Cal State Stanislaus since the start of the 2007 season, including 4-0-1 at home. That tie came last season when the teams played physical, yet scoreless 110 minutes in which the referee handed out 10 yellow cards (six to Cal State Stanislaus).

Livestat links for each match are be available on the athletics department home page and men's soccer home page.