Finally back home for the first time in nearly a month following a six-match road swing, the Chico State men's soccer team picked up right where it left off – with an impressive victory. The Wildcats beat second-place Cal State San Bernardino 2-0 in their California Collegiate Athletic Association home opener Friday night at University Soccer Stadium.
 
Freshman Alex Fluitt picked up a pair of assists in his first collegiate start. His long throw-in set up Omar Nuño for 18^th-minute strike. His cross to the far post found Rajaee DeLane for a goal 20 seconds into the second half.
 

The Wildcats, who beat then-No. 11 Seattle Pacific the last time they played at home – on Sept. 3 – went winless in those six road matches, mustering only a trio of draws. But with Friday's win, they improved to 2-4-3 overall and 1-2-2 in the CCAA. Cal State San Bernardino, ranked No. 6 in the West Region entering the week, dipped to 5-3-1 overall and 3-2-1 in the CCAA.
 
Damion Lewis made three saves for the Wildcats in earning his third shutout of the season and first in front of the home fans. After allowing three shots in the opening five minutes of the match, the Wildcats' defense clamped down, holding the Coyotes without a shot until more than 11 minutes into the second half. The back line of Coby Cueva, Sasha Paranteau, Garrett Hogbin and Isaiah Dargan had perhaps its finest match of the season Friday.
 
The Wildcats outshot Cal State San Bernardino 13-9.
 
Fluitt, who started on the right wing, was the story of the night. His long throw-in from the PK-spot extended found its target in Nuño, who was posting up at the top corner of the six-yard box. He flicked it home just inside the near post for his sixth goal of the season and the 16^th of his career.
 
The Wildcats got some breathing room just 20 seconds into the second half. Fluitt flew down the right flank and smacked a cross to DeLane, who met it about eight yards above the far post. He directed it on a hop just inside that post for his first goal of the season.
 
DeLane then delighted the season-best crowd of 675 with a celebratory flip near the Chico State bench.
 
The Wildcats will try to keep the good home mojo rolling on Sunday when they host first-place Cal Poly Pomona, which reached last season's NCAA Division II title match. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.