ROHNERT PARK, Calif. - It was another CCAA matchup for the No.3 Wildcats as they traveled to Sonoma on Thursday to face off against a middle-table Seawolves. After a physical and foul-ridden game, the Wildcats came out on top late into the second half thanks to Sylas Sells and Miles Rice.

The center official quickly started showing cards in Thursday's match, with the first caution issued only two minutes into the game. The trend continued throughout the match until a straight red card was delivered to the Seawolves following a dangerous challenge in the middle of the pitch.

The Wildcats were pressuring the home side from the first whistle, but the Seawolves keeper kept his team in the conversation with outstanding saves. The closest chance in the first half for Chico State was a strong header from Miles Rice that was on an exceptional path to the left side of the net but was kept out by SSU's keeper.

It was a dominant first half for the 'Cats, only allowing a single shot from the Seawolves and recording seven of their own after forty-five minutes.

Chico did not let off the pressure in the second half, struggling to find the net but frustrating the home side by pushing the ball forward consistently.

Carson Zarate was close to putting the Wildcats ahead when his near post run opened up a clear header for him, just missing wide of the right post. 

Finally, in the 79th minute, Miles Rice broke past the defense on a barreling run, firing a strike only to be deflected and falling to the feet of Sylas Sells. Crashing defenders were not enough to keep Sells from slipping a right-footed strike underneath their keeper to provide an advantage to the Wildcats.

Emanuel Padilla came in big for his squad when a 10-man Seawolves forced the ball in front of the net, and Padilla made a harrowing save from point blank to save the three points. Following the shutout, this now earns Padilla and his defense their ninth shutout on the season, only conceding 4 goals through twelve games.

Following the 1-0 win on the road, the Wildcats improved to 10-0-2 overall and 3-0-2 in the CCAA. They remain undefeated through 12 games and sit on top of the conference, pulling ahead of Cal State Monterey Bay and San Marcos with 11 points.

This Sunday, the 'Cats will return home for another CCAA match against the visiting Lumberjacks of Cal Poly Humboldt; kickoff will be at 2 p.m. and broadcast on the CCAA Network.