The end of one journey often marks the beginning of another. The journey is ending prematurely for five members of the Chico State men's soccer team who will be playing their final collegiate match Thursday at University Soccer Stadium against Cal State San Bernardino at 4:30/
 
Michael Janjigian, Justin Saul, Akwafei Ajeakwa, Malcolm Ekeruche and Joachim Gasmi had dreams of a postseason push that was simply not to be. The season began with a bang at 5-0-1 but bottomed out with four straight losses to begin California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play.
 
But the Wildcats have weathered the storm and won two straight heading into this final match, thanks in no small part to a freshman class beginning to find its way in the world of collegiate soccer. The journeys of Luke Dennison, Patrick Lee, Dylan Wakefield, Carter Johnson, Frankie Palmer, Sasha Parentau and Matthew Tarr are off to a terrific start.
 
Dennison ranks among the conference's leading goalkeepers in goals-against average, saves percentage and shutouts. Lee leads the team with four assists. Wakefield is a big body with big potential up top. Johnson scored in each of the last two matches and has three goals on the season. Palmer has played in 14 matches and started the past three in the midfield. Peranteau has started nine times, tops among the team's freshman field players. And Tarr has been terrific at times as a defender.
 
Cal State San Bernardino, unbeaten in its past six matches, is 9-4-1 overall and 5-4-1 in the CCAA.
 
The Wildcats are 8-6-2 overall and 3-6-1 in the CCAA, and they're hoping their journey ends with a win.