With seven of its first 10 matches of the season on the road and a lack of experience on the roster, the Chico State women's soccer team faced an uphill climb to be in the hunt for a postseason berth at this point in the campaign. The Wildcats have not only climbed into the hunt. They're near the peak of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) and West Region competition with a record of 7-2-1.
In the midst of preparations for home matches against Cal Poly Pomona (Friday at 4:30 p.m.) and Cal State San Bernardino (Sunday at 11:30 a.m.)—their first at University Soccer Stadium since September 19—the Wildcats are tied for third in the CCAA and ranked No. 6 in the West Region by the United Soccer Coaches. Links to live stats and streaming video for each of this weekend's home matches are available at the top-right corner of this release, in the calendar section on the homepage, and on the women's soccer schedule page.
Friday is also Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry Night at University Soccer Stadium. Fans are encouraged to bring a donation. A 2018 California State University research survey found that 50% of Chico State students experience low to very low food security. The Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry was founded on the simple belief that all students should have access to healthy food. To date, through the generous support of students, faculty, staff and the community the pantry has distributed healthy food to more than 8,500 students.
Canned and boxed foods, hygiene products and cash donations will all be accepted. Currently, the pantry is especially in need of canned protein (black and refried beans, chicken, and fish), canned meals (stews, chili, soups), hygiene products, and healthy snacks (protein bars, nuts, dried fruit).
Over the past two seasons, Chico State soccer fans have contributed nearly 2,000 food items and $1,000 in cash donations.
Chico State brings a program-record 26-match unbeaten streak into the weekend. They'll look to keep it going Friday against the last team to beat them at home. Cal Poly Pomona won that Oct. 2, 2016, match 2-1 in overtime.
The Wildcats avenged that home loss the next season, 3-1, and have won four of the last five meetings between the teams. Chico State leads the all-time series 19-12-4.
Cal Poly Pomona enters the weekend 6-3-0 overall, 2-1-0 in the CCAA, and ranked No. 7 in the West Region.
Cal State San Bernardino heads into its weekend, which begins with a match at Stanislaus State Friday night, 2-6-1 overall and 0-3-0 in the CCAA.
Chico State has won four of the last five meetings between the teams and is 15-9-3 all-time against the Coyotes.
After this weekend, the Wildcats will play three more on the road before returning home to play their final three CCAA matches at University Soccer Stadium.
