The only action most of Chico State men's soccer fans have seen this season is the Wildcats' steady ascent up the national rankings. But the 14th-ranked Wildcats are finally home Friday.

Chico State went 4-0 on a brutal four-game road trip to open the season, beating 2012 NCAA Tournament teams Seattle Pacific and Cal State Stanislaus in the process. Things don't get much easier at home, however.

The Wildcats host a 2-1-1 UC San Diego squad in Friday's 2013 home opener at 4:30 and then 2-1-1 Cal Poly Pomona Sunday at 11:30.

The Wildcats are among three teams currently tied atop the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) South Division at 2-0. Cal State San Bernardino and Cal State L.A. are the others. Cal Poly Pomona and UC San Diego are both 0-1-1.

The Wildcats' early season success has been keyed by a defense that's allowed a goals-against average of just 0.50 – third lowest in the CCAA and the 22nd lowest in the nation. Goalkeeper James Stroud has been forced to make only six saves, which is the lowest in the conference.

Sunday that defense will be tasked with slowing down Luis Najera, Jr., who leads the CCAA in goals (4) and points (10).