"Beat Sonoma" is among the main mantras for the Chico State men's soccer program. Sunday, the Chico State men's soccer team did just that, riding Mikey Hirsch's first goal of the season to a 1-0 victory that leaves the Wildcats on the doorstep of the postseason and Sonoma State's hopes hanging by a thread.  
 
Chico State improved to 10-4-0 overall and 6-4-0 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association with its third consecutive win. The Wildcats can clinch a CCAA Tournament berth as early as Wednesday night should Sonoma State (6-8-1, 4-5-0) lose or draw against Cal Poly Pomona.
 
The Wildcats could still finish as high as fourth in the CCAA standings, which would net them a first-round home match. In order to do that, they'll need two home wins next week and for Cal State San Bernardino to lose its final regular-season match Saturday at Sonoma State.
 
The NCAA Championship Tournament is also on the Wildcats' radar. They were ranked No. 11 in the first Super Region 4 Rankings, released Wednesday, and won both of their matches this week.
 
So, Sunday's win was a big one. Not just because of the intense rivalry, but also because of the Wildcats' postseason ambitions.
 
Early on it looked as though they might dominate. They controlled possession and out-shot the Seawolves 7-3 in the opening stanza. Two of those shots led to the only goal of the match.
 
Servando Higuera served a ball into the box that Justin Bethke headed off the crossbar from six yards out. It bounced once to Hirsch, who was at a tough angle wide of the left post. But the senior took his time and threaded a right-footed blast between the recovering keeper and near post in the 20^th minute.
 
The Chico State defense stood its ground after that. Goalkeeper Jose Paredes made a pair of saves for his second straight shutout and fifth of the season.  
 
The Wildcats have not lost at home against the Seawolves since the 2011 season.
 
Chico State hosts Cal State East Bay Thursday at 4:30 p.m. and Cal State Monterey Bay Saturday at 11:30 a.m. Both matches will take place at University Soccer Stadium. Senior Day festivities will take place immediately prior to Saturday's match.