Time was running out on the Chico State women's soccer team in its quest to even the score against Cal State LA in the 2018 California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) opener for both teams. Erin Woods was up to the task.
The talented Chico State forward, who led the Wildcats with eight goals last season, had been perhaps a little off target, and certainly very unlucky in the Wildcats' first four-and-a-half matches of the season until that point. But in the 77
th minute of Friday night's match at University Soccer Stadium, the senior unleashed one of the most sensational strikes of her career to net the Wildcats a 1-1 draw.
Woods won a ball on the left flank, dribbled inside toward the top of the 18-yard box, and curled a gorgeous strike into the left upper-V from 24 yards out to secure a point against the Golden Eagles, picked to finish second in the CCAA by the conference's coaches and ranked No. 9 in the West Region by the United Soccer Coaches. The goal was Woods' first of the season and the 12
th of her career.
Chico State (1-0-4) extended its school-record home unbeaten streak to 18 matches with the draw. Cal State LA is now 3-1-1.
Erin Woods prepares to wind up for the
match-tying goal.
Woods nearly gave the Wildcats the lead in the 35
th minute. Cal State LA's Caitlyn Esposito was whistled for a red card for a foul on Woods in the box. Woods' ensuing penalty kick looked destined for the low-right corner of the net before returning All-CCAA goalkeeper Adriana Maldonado made a magnificent diving stop to deny her.
That marked Woods' 25
th shot of the season and the 12
th one that was saved.
Cal State LA rode the momentum provided by Maldonado's save to Leslie Ramirez's go-ahead goal in the 39
th minute. Ramirez stepped to the ball after it had been pinballed around the box and lofted a one-time chip from the top of the 18-yard box into the top shelf for her first goal of the season.
The Wildcats grabbed the momentum back in the second stanza, out-shooting the Golden Eagles 17-8 and enjoying a 5-2 edge in corner kicks over the final 65 minutes of the match.
Chico State goalkeeper Brenna Meier improved to 1-0-3 as a starter, registering seven saves on the night.
The Wildcats are back in action Sunday when Cal State Dominguez Hills comes to town for an 11:30 a.m. showdown.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Chico State vs. Cal State Dominguez Hills
11:30 a.m. PDT, University Soccer Stadium, Chico
• Webcast:
https://portal.stretchinternet.com/chico/
• LiveStats:
http://www.chicowildcats.com/sidearmstats/msoc/summary
