SEATTLE – It wasn't the start the Chico State men's soccer team envisioned. First, the Wildcats' season opener at 8^th-ranked Seattle Pacific was delayed by lightening for 30 minutes. Then, just 5:53 into the match, the Wildcats found themselves trailing 1-0.
 
After that, there was a lot to build on. A relatively young and inexperienced Chico State squad that got its full compliment of players healthy just two days before leaving on its season-opening road trip eventually found its footing. Chico State out-shot Seattle Pacific 5-4 in the second half.
 
The Falcons (2-0) return 18 letterwinners and nine All-Conference players (including three All-Americans) from last season's Great Northwest Athletic Conference championship team that advanced to the NCAA Championship West Region finals.   
 
Chico State (0-1) will look to rebound on Monday when it plays at Saint Martin's at noon. The Saints are 0-1-1 after tying UC San Diego 1-1 on Thursday and then falling to Cal State L.A. 4-0 on Saturday.
 
Newcomer Omar Nuno led the Chico State attack with four shots and junior college transfer Rajaee DeLane took three. Matt Hurlow was responsible for the Wildcats' other two tries.
 
Freshman goalkeeper Andrew Matthews collected two saves after surrendering the early goal.