Box Score The Chico State men's soccer team sent a simple message for those who wondered how much they would suffer without the 11 graduating seniors from last season's NCAA Championship Tournament squad: "We're just fine, thank you very much."
 

The Wildcats scored on three set pieces – a Justin Saul corner and two Patrick Lee free kicks – in a dominating 3-0 win against Dominican in Thursday night's season opener at University Soccer Stadium.
 
Saul connected with Akwafei Ajeakwa for a header at the far post just 5:43 into the match to give Chico State the lead for good.
 
Lee, a true freshman, linked up with Matt Hurlow in the 50^th minute and Justin Walmsley in the 54^th, both from 40-plus yards out near the left sideline for his first two collegiate assists.
 
Chico State's defense was equally impressive. The back line of Isaiah Dargan, Michacel Janjigian, Walmsley and Sasha Peranteau helped limit Dominican to just one corner kick and three shots, none of which threatened Wildcats' freshman keeper Luke Dennison, who logged a shutout in his first collegiate action.
 
The Wildcats return to action Saturday night at University Soccer Stadium to face Seattle Pacific (1-0) at 7 p.m. The Wildcats beat the Falcons 1-0 twice last, the second time coming in the opening round of the NCAA Championship Tournament.