CHICO, Calif. - After leaping to 1-0 following a decisive win against East Bay on Friday, the Wildcats were visited by San Marcos for their second CCAA matchup of the season. The key players of Sunday's game were scattered across the defense for both teams, withholding any chance for a goal in the match.
Both squads found opportunities to take the advantage, but nobody let the other get the best of them. San Marcos were able to maintain much of the possession throughout the game, stringing passes together that gave them the edge in the middle of the pitch.
However, the first half was a tight comparison on offensive, with Chico outshooting the visitors 5 to 4 shots.
Chico State's back line stepped up for their squad after going down to 10 players following a straight red in the final 15 minutes. The Cougars were putting the Wildcats under severe pressure, conceding three corners in the closing minutes with the danger constantly in front of the net.
Emma Hofmann was vital in securing the draw in the final minutes, making a double save against the Cougars in the 85th minute. Hofmann left in multiple one-on-one situations, smothering the danger and leading her team in their time of need. She made three saves against the Cougars, with her defense sharing in the glory of saving the scoreline.
The ball kept falling at a Cougars' foot in the box but the 'Cats defensive line consisting of Emilia Kling, Klayre Barres and Jordan Brail kept throwing themselves in front of any opportunity to reduce the pressure on Hofmann.
A strong presence up top for the Wildcats, Avery Pieri recorded three shots against San Marcos but was unable to slip them past the visitor's keeper. Kylie Rolling coming off the bench to add two shots of her own for Chico.
The Cougars' defensive effort was commendable, maintaining composure in the face of any danger from the home side.
Chico State will be on the road again this upcoming week, traveling to Southern California to take on the Broncos of Cal Poly Pomona and the Yotes of San Bernardino. Beginning with the Broncos on Friday, kickoff will be at 4:30 p.m. as they continue conference play.
