Numbers can frequently be deceiving. Despite notching just one hashmark in the win column so far this season, the Chico State men's soccer team has battled in every contest, only to fall three times in gut-wrenching fashion, dropping decisions in overtime, the 82nd minute, and the 88th minute. With California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) conference play beginning and two home games on tap this weekend, it's setting up as an ideal time for the team to turn its fortunes around. The 'Cats get their chance when they host Cal State San Bernardino Friday and Cal State San Marcos Sunday at University Soccer Stadium.
 
The Wildcats and San Bernardino take the pitch at 4:30 Friday afternoon, with Chico State squaring off against Cal State San Marcos at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.
 
Fans can follow the action of both matches online. Links to live stats and streaming video will be available at chicowildcats.com on the homepage and men's soccer schedule page.
 
Fans planning on attending in person are asked to follow Chico State's health and safety measures for intercollegiate athletic events:

• Venue capacity is limited to 50% of the listed capacity for each facility.
• Spectators must follow campus health and safety guidelines: symptom check and mask indoors; mask outdoors where physical distancing cannot be achieved.
• Spectators will be limited to seating areas (bleachers and stands).
• At the end of the competition, spectators are asked to leave the venue immediately and wait outside the venue to greet participants.
• No spectators are allowed in team areas, including the playing area, bench, hallways, athletic training room, locker rooms, etc.

Chico State enters the weekend 1-5 on the season. Last Saturday, the Wildcats were edged by Humboldt State 1-0 in a non-conference match in Arcata. Despite the five losses, the 'Cats have proven to be extremely tough to score on, having surrendered just seven goals in their first six matches.

Cal State San Bernardino comes to town sporting a 3-2-1 record. The Coyotes were unbeaten in their first four matches of the season, but enters Friday's match with the Wildcats on a two-game losing skid. San Bernardino dropped a double-overtime decision to Azusa Pacific on September 18, then last Saturday fell to Cal State San Marcos 1-0 in non-conference play.

Cal State San Marcos, which visits Chico Sunday following a Friday match in Arcata against Humboldt State, is 1-5 on the season. After losing their first five decisions, the Cougars got their first win last Saturday by beating San Bernardino.