As a father of two little ones I hear it all the time: "They grow up so fast. Don't blink or you'll miss it."  That doubles as good advice for Chico State men's soccer fans as Thursday's season opener draws near.
 
The new-look Wildcats host Dominican University of California Thursday at 7 p.m. and then face West Region arch rival Seattle Pacific Saturday at 7 to start a stretch of four home matches in the first 11 days of the season. The Wildcats play each of their 10 home regular-season matches at University Soccer Stadium.
 
Chico State students receive free admission to all regular-season Chico State sporting events. General admission is $6, seniors (60 and over) and other students are $4, and high school and under are $2. Season Passes are also available HERE. Family season passes are $90 (A $126 savings off the regular price) and include admission for two adults and up to three children. A couples season pass is $60 and adult season pass $35.
 
Head Coach Felipe Restrepo's team is young with a number of players yet to prove themselves at this level. But he and the rest of the California Collegiate Athletic Association's coaches are expecting big things from the team. The Wildcats are picked to finish third in the CCAA according to the annual preseason coaches' poll.
 
The Wildcats were 14-4-3 last season and reached the postseason for the fifth time in Restrepo's six years at the helm. The roster underwent a huge transformation in the offseason, however, with the loss of 11 players to graduation. But it appears that Restrepo simply reloaded. Chico State won all three of its preseason contests, including a bout at UC Davis.
 
Fans can catch some "bonus" soccer prior to Thursday's season opener as Humboldt State and Seattle Pacific will clash at 4:30 at University Soccer Stadium.