CHICO, Calif. - Following their final road trip, the No. 5 Chico State men's soccer team is clawing at the edge of clinching a spot in the 2023 CCAA postseason tournament heading into Friday night's match against the Gators. With three games remaining on home soil, the Wildcats would need to secure as many points in these final matches to clinch another postseason appearance.

The Wildcats have been flawless at home this season, continuing that trend on Friday with another CCAA win against SF State. 

Carson Zarate opened up the scoring for Chico with an impressive rebound half-volley in the center of the box after Adrian Fontanelli struck a vicious free kick to the right post. Fontanelli was inches away from scoring the first free-kick goal for the Wildcats this season, settling for the assist to earn his 7th of the season.

The Gators broke down the 'Cats defense for a goal of their own, but it wasn't quite enough to topple the Wildcats' energy.

In the second half, Justin Ricketts was struck by a Gators defender, rewarding Chico State with a penalty kick in the 65th minute that was cooly composed by junior defender Preston Moll. Moll now holds four goals in his junior year from the back line for the Wildcats.

With the win at home on Friday, the Wildcats now sit in a great position to take part in the CCAA tournament in November and build their case for a spot in the national tournament. They improved to 11-1-4 overall and 4-1-4 in conference with two games remaining in the conference schedule.

Chico State currently sits tied for third with the Otters of Monterey Bay with 16 points; with a win on Sunday, the Wildcats have the chance to leap into a solo third spot. With losses from San Bernardino, San Marcos, and Sonoma on that Sunday, it opens the door for a home game in the first round of the CCAA tournament.

With wins on Sunday and next Thursday for the Wildcats, as well as a loss from loss/tie from CPP, there's a chance to scoop second place from the Broncos.

Senior day will be this Sunday against the Otters, where Adrian Fontanelli, Noah Ross, and Kristoffer Brown will be celebrated for their time with the Wildcats, kickoff will be at 11:30 a.m. and senior celebrations will be held prior to the game.