The Chico State men's soccer team had an answer to the answer in Thursday night's 2019 home opener against Concordia-Portland. In fact, the Wildcats had two answers, tallying twice during a seven-minute span late in the second half to turn a tie match into a runaway 3-1 victory.
 
Matt Hafizi gave Chico State an early 1-0 lead before Concordia equalized in the 65^th minute. Garrett Hogbin's diving header reclaimed the lead for the 'Cats in the 76^th minute before freshman Jacob Chong volleyed home Samuel Licona's cross in the 82^nd minute to put the finishing touches on the win.
 
Chico State, ranked No. 8 in the West Region, improved to 2-0-0. Concordia, ranked No. 9,  slipped to 2-1-0.
 
The reigning Wildcat of the Week after scoring Chico State's first goal and setting up its second in a season-opening 2-0 win at Western Washington, Hafizi was at it again Thursday night. The Cavaliers' keeper got a hand on Alex Fluitt's promising shot from the top-right corner of the 18-yard box, but Hafizi was there to finish things, hitting a thigh-high volley into the open net in the 29^th minute.
 
After the Cavaliers briefly tied things up, Hogbin quickly reclaimed the advantage for the Wildcats. Redshirt freshman Alex Low set him up with a cross toward the far post and Hogbin's diving header hit the back of the net for a 2-1 lead. The assist was the first of Low's collegiate career.
 
Licona set up the final tally of the night with a similar ball. Chong elected for a waist-high volley and stuck it into the top shelf for his first collegiate goal.
 
Fluitt now leads all active Wildcats with nine career assists, while Hogbin—a center back—leads the way with seven goals.
 
Chico State will be back at home against Fresno Pacific on Friday, Sept. 20, at 6 p.m.