CHICO, Calif. - It's been a flawless season so far for the Wildcats after scooping up two more wins in Canada before returning home to finish the remainder of their non-conference matchups. The No.8 Wildcats knew it would be a tough matchup against last year's PacWest Conference Co-Champion, and after 90 minutes, the home team maintained their flawless record. Stealing the show was Emanuel Padilla, coming in clutch for his team late into the match.
The game's physicality was evident from the start of the match, with both teams trying to steal the early momentum.
There was no lull in the action, with both teams finding chances throughout the half, Emaneul Padilla making stretching saves for the Wildcats, protecting his net, and recording six saves.
After countless unsuccessful efforts to put chances away, the right boot of Justin Ricketts, connected with a crossed ball from Adrian Fontanelli in the 43rd minute, caught the Eagles keeper off-balance. Ricketts scored his second-season goal for the Wildcats, giving them the advantage just before the halftime whistle.
The defense was the key for the home side in the second, led by Preston Moll and Carson Zarate; they were constantly on guard for any direct attempts from the Eagles to equalize the match.
In the 87th minute, Miles Rice found the ball behind the tired and vulnerable Biola defense, using his speed to isolate a 1-on-1 with their keeper, missing the inside of the left post by the narrowest margin.
Just before the final minute was counting down, an unfortunate handball by the Wildcats drew a penalty, which saw Padilla staring down a Biola forward from 12 yards away. Guessing correctly on a low shot to his right, Padilla parried the strike outside the net's frame only to save another quick attempt to keep his team ahead.
Another scoreless night for their opponents, and this was the fifth clean sheet by the Wildcats in five matches—maintaining a flawless 5-0 record and spotless stat sheet with no conceded goals this season.
The Wildcats will remain at home this Saturday to take on the PacWest Conference's other regular season Co-Champion, Dominican University, at 7 p.m.
