Box Score Lack of experience has proved to be an issue at times for the Chico State men’s soccer team in the early going of 2012. But it seemed like just what the doctor ordered in Friday night’s 3-0 beat down of visiting Cal State L.A.. Matt Hurlow, Akwafei Ajeakwa, and Jordan Gorman – each who carried none of the program’s baggage against Cal State L.A. into the match – scored in the first half for the Wildcats, making it a rout early.
The win gave fifth-year Wildcats Head Coach Felipe Restrepo his first win against the Golden Eagles. In fact, it marked the end of Chico State’s 10-match winless streak against Cal State L.A. dating back to 2003 and the Wildcats’ first home win against the Golden Eagles since 2000.
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It also provided some sense of revenge for Chico State, which saw its season come to an end in a penalty kick shootout to the Golden Eagles last season.
Chico State and Cal State L.A. squared off at University Soccer Stadium as the favorites to win California Collegiate Athletic Association’s North and South Divisions, respectively. It was also the conference opener for both teams. Chico State, ranked No. 8 in the West entering play, improved to 2-1 overall with the win. Cal State L.A., No. 7 in the West, fell to 1-2.
Chico State goalkeeper Sam Evans secured his 10th career shutout with a trio of saves. Defender Mike Janjigian, meanwhile, won seemingly every ball that entered the box in the air.
Hurlow, a true freshman, flashed his blazing speed to put the Wildcats on the board in the 15th minute. Luke Palmer set up Hurlow’s first collegiate goal with by forcing a turnover and htne quickly playing a ball over the top of the defense that Hurlow won with a full-out sprint. He took a pair of touches down the right flank and then slammed a shot inside the far post.
The junior college transfer Ajeakwa’s hustle play and goal made it 2-0 in the 28th minute. Luis Martinez played a through ball toward the near post to put Cal State L.A. in danger. When Golden Eagles goalkeeper Waleed Cassis fumbled the ball following an aggressive slide, Ajeakwa, never stopping on the play, was there to touch it away and then drive it home for his second goal in as many matches.
Another junior college transfer, Jordan Gorman, finished the scoring 10 minutes later, heading home true freshman Ethan Story’s corner kick at the near post.
The Wildcats will attempt to match Friday’s effort when then host Cal State Dominguez Hills Sunday at 11:30. The women’s match will follow at 2.
