POMONA, Calif. -An inevitable matchup between nationally ranked programs Friday night was played out to a 2-2 draw as Vas Syrengelas ties up the match in the 78th minute to maintain the Wildcats unbeaten record. Chico State's record improves to 1-0-2 in CCAA play and 8-0-2 overall.
Both programs entered the game undefeated, fighting for the top spot in the CCAA and trying to jump spots on the national ranking list.
The Wildcats are entering as the No. 3 team in the nation, and the Broncos are in 9th.
The Broncos came out strong, scoring within the first ten minutes on impressive team play.
In the 28th minute, after earning a free kick just past the halfway line in the Broncos defensive half, Adrian Fontanelli played a ball into the box that Cal Poly dealt with, only for the ball to fall to the feet of the dangerous Preston Moll. Moll squared up and fired a left-footed strike, leaning away, that bent around the diving Broncos keeper to hit the right side of the net, tying up the match with the venomous strike.
Chico State had to deal with plenty of danger throughout the final half, with Pomona's offensive catching a spark that couldn't be blown out—outshooting the Wildcats 15-2. Emanuel Padilla played a vital role, as he has throughout the past nine matches, making five critical saves in the second half.
Another solid team goal from the Broncos pulled them out front of the No. 3 Wildcats with 12 minutes to play in the national matchup.
However, the home side's excitement only lasted 15 seconds as a diving Miles Rice won an outstanding cross on the run towards the Broncos net, forcing the keeper to parry the danger to his right, but a trailing Vasilios Syrengelas connected with the free ball to tie the game up once again.
Syrengelas' crucial tying goal was his first as a Wildcat.
The match concluded at 2-2, with the Wildcats pulling off an incredible feat to remain undefeated through ten games. They will take on the Yotes of San Bernardino on Sunday in another CCAA conference match, looking to leave Southern California with a win.
