Box Score Different divisions. Same drama.
The Chico State-Sonoma State men's soccer rivalry was as riveting as ever Friday night at University Soccer Stadium, culminating in a 1-1 draw.
Put simply, it was a great soccer match played with great spirit in a great atmosphere.
Ovtavio Guzman gave Chico State a 1-0 lead in the 52nd minute, but Sonoma State's Anthony Glover slammed home the equalizer with 3:01 left in regulation.
The Wildcats are playing in the South Division this season, meaning they'll only play the Seawolves of the North Division once in the regular season.
Chico State was certainly disappointed to settle for the tie after leading late, but must have felt better later in the night when UC San Diego, Cal State Dominguez Hills, and Cal State L.A. – the three teams chasing Chico State for the South Division lead – drew as well Friday.
With 25 points now, the Wildcats (10-2-1 overall and 8-2-1 in the CCAA) maintained a slight cushion over Cal State L.A. (24 points), UC San Diego (23) and Cal State Dominguez Hills (21) with five regular season matches remaining.
The 25th-ranked Wildcats had their five-match win streak and four-match shutout streak snapped by Glover's goal.
They nearly won the match in the second overtime (106th minute) on a strong counter, but Seawolves' defender Cody Martin saved Luis Martinez's shot off the line.
Sonoma State is now 5-4-4 overall and 4-3-3 in the CCAA. The Seawolves picked up a point on North Division leading Cal State Monterey Bay and now trail the Otters by two (17-15).
Guzman's goal was a picture of power. The play started when Justin Saul slammed a sizzling corner with topspin that Guzman got a run at toward the far post. He got a step inside his defender and timed his leap perfectly before using the side of his skull to smash the ball just inside the post.
The goal was Guzman's second of the season and the 11th of the junior's career. Saul's assist was his second, both having come in the last two matches.
If Guzman's goal was keyed by power, Glover's equalizer was all about pace.
The senior sped down the right flank, took a pass from Zanin Mahic, beat a defender with a crossover dribble, and then crushed a shot from 10 yards inside the far post.
Chico State's four-match homestand continues Sunday with an 11:30 a.m. kickoff against Humboldt State. The Wildcats are home against Cal State Dominguez Hills and Cal State L.A. the following weekend before wrapping up the regular season with two road matches.
