Some prefer the traditional nomenclature of "sudden death" when it comes to collegiate soccer overtimes, while the NCAA prefers to put a more positive "sudden victory" spin on them, which end as soon as either team scores. When it actually happens, however, it's a reminder that the key word is really "sudden."
 
It felt that way Saturday night when Seattle Pacific's Titus Grant headed a cross from Travis Swallow off the pitch and into the back of the net on a bounce in the 99^th minute, lifting visiting Seattle Pacific to a 1-0 victory over Chico State at University Soccer Stadium. Members of the Chico State team, so close to scoring the decisive goal on a number of occasions, crumbled to the ground or held their heads in their hands in disbelief. It was so sudden.
 
It was a frustrating way to end a promising start to the season for Chico State, a young and inexperienced (but talented) team, which opened the campaign with a 1-0 win against Western Washington University Thursday night. The Wildcats appeared well on their way to earning another strong result Saturday against an SPU squad that won its season opener 2-1 Thursday at Sonoma State. Until it suddenly wasn't.
 
Chico State had seven shots on goal, but could find the quality finish they needed to beat Falcons goalkeeper Lars Helleren, who had seven saves. Four of those came on shots from 10 yards and in. Jacob Chong, Thursday night's goal scorer, led the way with four shots, including three on frame.
 
Wildcats keeper Luis Albarran racked up five saves and went his first 180-plus minutes as Chico State's starter before allowing a goal, but had too much ground to cover to smother the match winner.
 
Albarran, Anthony Kaskie, and defenders Connor Gorrien and Donovan Jackson all played the full 99 minutes for the Wildcats.
 
The schedule does not get any easier for Chico State (1-1-0), who will hit the road to face Saint Martin's and Simon Fraser next Thursday and Saturday, respectively, in Lacey, Washington.