Jeremiah Egujie netted a brace in the season opener against Seattle Pacific for the second straight season. But unlike the 2017 opener in Seattle, there was little drama this time around. The Chico State men's soccer team's defense made sure of that in a 2-0 victory at University Soccer Stadium.
The Wildcats' defense completely suffocated the Seattle Pacific attack. The back four of Ryan Caro, Garrett Hogbin, Justin Bethke, and Joshua Belda formed the main wall in front of goalkeeper Damion Lewis, who did not have to make a single save to register his 14
th career shutout—the fifth most in Chico State history. Midfielders Ronan McEnroe, Esten Schroeder, Samuel Licona, Alex Fluitt, and subs Michael Hirsch and Coby Cueva were also among those who shined on the defensive end.
Jeremiah Egujie scores his first of two goals on
a first-half penalty kick. (Photo by Ryan
McCasland/University Student Photographer)
The Falcons did not get off a shot until the 50
th minute and did not earn a corner kick until the 89
th.
Egujie's first goal, in the 30
th minute, came on a penalty kick drawn by Michael Hirsch. Esten Schroeder set the play in motion with a takeaway and quick turn and pass to Cooper Renteria near the corner flag. Renteria's cross curled right to the penalty spot where Hirsch was on a dead run toward the mouth of the goal before being taken down from behind.
Egujie coolly hit a low drive down the middle for the PK goal once the goalkeeper guessed early.
He struck again in the 76
th minute. Substitute Matt Hafizi took a pass just inside of the box, but with his back to the goal he did not have an angle. So he played the ball back to Egujie, whose left-footed blast nestled inside the far post.
The Wildcats finished with a 14-5 edge in shots and 8-1 advantage in corner kicks. Egujie took seven shots, six of which were on frame. Schroeder and Fabian Roman recorded two shots apiece.
Egujie scored the match winner in the 88
th minute last season at Seattle Pacific, completing a comeback from an early 1-0 deficit.
The Wildcats are back in action Saturday when Western Washington comes to town for a 7 p.m. start. Chico State students with a valid ID will receive free Woodstock's pizza. They will also be treated to a great rematch.
Egujie scored the golden goal with just 12 seconds remaining in the second overtime last season in Bellingham. That match, like Saturday's will be, was the team's second match of the season.
Western Washington also opened the season Thursday and came away with a 4-3 overtime victory against Sonoma State in Rohnert Park.
Defender Joshua Belda shields his opponent off the ball.
(Photo by Matthew Bates)
Esten Schroder takes a shot during second-half action.
(Photo by Ryan McCasland/University Student Photographer)
Jeremiah Egujie battles a Seattle Pacific player for a loose ball.
(Photo by Ryan McCasland/University Student Photographer)
