CHICO, Calif. - Sunday's showdown featuring the No.2 team in the nation showcased how passionate and hungry these programs are in the CCAA. From the first whistle, the game's physicality was noticeable, with two yellow cards issued within the first ten minutes of the match—changing the tone instantly.

San Marcos, coming off of their first win against Stanislaus just two days prior, was attacking with full force on Sunday.

Miles Rice began to find the ball at his feet at the start of the first half, efforting to make something happen for the 'Cats, but struggled to break through the back line. Of his four shots, his best chance came in the 20th minute with a firm header right at the corner of the 6-yard box; Rice connected with the deflected ball, but a reaching Cougars keeper pushed it wide right of the goal.

The momentum shifted in favor of the Cougars for the match's second half, making it difficult for the Wildcats to find a good rhythm on the attack, with much of the match played out in the middle of the pitch.

Emanuel Padilla was only called to make a few saves, even with the Cougars recording 12 shots. Padilla earned his 8th shutout of the season—Stanislaus State remaining the only team to score against the junior goalkeeper.

Bryan Manriquez and Sylas Sells recorded two shots each for the 'Cats, Manriquez forcing saves from the keeper on those two occasions. 

After this short stint at home, the Wildcats will travel to Southern California to take on a pair of CCAA opponents, Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State San Bernardino, this weekend. Starting with the No. 13 Broncos on Friday, kickoff will be at 7:00 p.m. and broadcast on the CCAA Network.