Chico State forward Juan Perez's first collegiate goal came much later than he likely envisioned it might when he began his career in the fall of 2017. But it could not have been much sweeter. Set up perfectly by Liam Duerksen and Mauro Rafael, Perez pounded home the match winner in Chico State's 1-0 win against Stanislaus State Sunday at University Soccer Stadium, wrapping up an important two-win week for the Wildcats.
 
Injuries and COVID-19 cost Perez three years following a true freshman campaign during which he played in 12 matches and showed huge promise. And he and the Wildcats struggled to find their form for much of the first half of this season. But Perez assisted on the Wildcats' second goal Thursday in a 2-0 win at Cal State East Bay, and those results helped lift the Wildcats into fifth place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) standings just past the midway point of conference play.
 
At 4-8-0 overall and 3-3-0 in the CCAA, the 'Cats control their own postseason destiny. Stanislaus State slipped to 5-7-1 overall and 1-5-0 in the CCAA.
 
The Wildcats' defense limited Stanislaus State to only seven shots, only three of which were on frame. Luis Albarran had an answer for all three in earning his second consecutive clean sheet and fourth of the campaign. Ben Souza, Trevor Fritz and Garvin Brooks Wilson helped anchor the defensive effort, playing 90 minutes apiece.
 
Meanwhile, Chico State's offense tested the Warriors from the very start, forcing three early saves following dangerous shots by Jacob Chong, Miles Rice and Duerksen. The Wildcats' fourth shot was the best look of all, and wound up in the back of the net. Duerksen connected with Mauro on the right edge of the 18-yard box with a nicely volleyed pass, and Mauro slipped the ball to Perez on a run toward the near post. Perez beat his defender to the ball and directed it into the side netting at the far post for the lone goal of the match.
 
The assist was Mauro's first of the season. Duerksen has now racked up five on the team's seven goals. The freshman is tied for the fourth most in the conference.
 
Speaking of assists, Chico State's incredible fans earned hundreds of them Sunday by making donations to the Hungry Wildcats Food Pantry, which served Chico State's student population.
 
The Wildcats will be back home next weekend to face San Francisco State Friday at 7 and Sonoma State Sunday at 2. Sunday's match will be Senior Day, so plan to arrive early and celebrate the collegiate careers of the team's tremendous senior class.

Goal by #9 Juan Perez pic.twitter.com/F9VHa0IVmC

— Chico Wildcats (@ChicoWildcats) October 17, 2021