There was no shortage of shots for the Chico State men's soccer team Thursday night, as the Wildcats opened up the 2016 season with a hard-hitting, fiercely played contest against Western Washington. Head Coach Felipe Restrepo's squad peppered Vikings' goalkeeper Tyler Visten all night, but not one of the 'Cats' 17 shots touched the twine. Just when it looked like the contest was headed for overtime, Western Washington booted home the match-winner in the 82nd minute and came away with a 1-0 victory at University Soccer Stadium.
 
A combined 21 fouls and six yellow cards were assessed in the season opener for both teams, and the play was fierce and spirited from the opening whistle to the final horn. Chico State pounded the goal in both the first and second halves, outshooting Western Washington 10-3 in the first 45 minutes and 7-3 in the final period. Despite the lopsided offensive numbers, the Wildcats and Vikings were scoreless at halftime.
 
As the second period rolled on, neither team was able to score, giving the match all the earmarks of going into extra periods. But with less than seven minutes remaining in regulation, Western Washington knocked in what proved to be the match's only score. Anthony Dean took a cross from Brady Ulen and connected from point-blank range, beating Wildcats' goalkeeper Damion Lewis to the far post to put the Vikings up 1-0.
 
Chico State pushed hard down the stretch, but though the Wildcats were in Western Washington territory for the majority of the match's final minutes, they were unable to get a shot off to knot up the score, and the Vikings held on for the 1-0 victory.
 
Lewis registered three saves in goal in his Wildcats' debut, while Visten stopped seven Chico State shots on goal. The 'Cats ultimately outshot the Vikings 17-6, but it was a to be a disappointing final result in Chico State's 2016 season opener.
 
The Wildcats are back in action Saturday at 7 p.m., and the match should prove to be a memorable one as Chico State hosts non-conference nemesis Seattle Pacific at University Soccer Stadium.