HAYWARD – Not even the thick fog and torrential showers Sunday at Cal State East Bay could slow the Chico State men's soccer team's roll. After falling behind early, the Wildcats scored four unanswered goals in a 4-1 victory, which was their fifth in their last six matches.
 
Mikey Hirsch, Frankie Palmer, Esten Schroeder and Donta'e Garcia all tallied for the Wildcats, who improved to 6-5-3 overall and 5-3-2 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. Cal State East Bay fell to 6-7-1 overall and 2-5-1 in the CCAA.
 

The goals by Hirsch and Garcia were their first at the collegiate level.
 
With their recent string of success, the Wildcats have put themselves in the mix for one of six CCAA Tournament berths. They are currently tied for second place with 17 points, though most teams have two games in hand on the Wildcats, who wrap up their regular season at home next weekend against Sonoma State and Humboldt State.
 
The host Pioneers opened the scoring with a penalty kick in the 16^th minute, but Chico State scored twice in a span of 2:23 later in the half to take the lead.
 
In the 36^th minute, Schroeder's shot was saved, but Hirsch hit a successful rebound from the top of the six-yard box to tie the score.
 
In the 38^th minute, Schroeder dribbled down the left side, beat a defender, and was fouled in the box to earn a penalty kick. Palmer converted for a 2-1 lead. It marked his second goal of the season, both coming in the Wildcats last three matches.
 
The Wildcats struck again less than three minutes into the second stanza. Alex Fluitt crossed to Schroeder, who buried it for his second goal of the season. It marked Fluitt's fifth assist in the Wildcats' last six matches. 
 
Chico State struck for the fourth time when Palmer's cross was flicked to the back post by Justin Bethke. Garcia got on the end of it and put it home at the far post.
 
The Wildcats outshot the Pioneers 14-6 and enjoyed a 10-5 edge in shots on goal. Chico State goalkeeper Damion Lewis finished with four saves.