CHICO, Calif. - The Chico State Men's Soccer squad concluded the non-conference portion of their schedule with a tight match against Stanislaus to remain undefeated through the first half of the season. Their 7-0 record boosted their program into the second spot on the United Soccer Coaches poll after jumping spots from the bottom each week.

The road to reaching second on the national poll is full of past conference champions and teams with extensive national tournament experience. The Wildcats brought down every challenge that stepped on the pitch with them. 

Taking down four GNAC opponents, two of which are favored as the conference champions—the Wildcats have been on a trip throughout the West region. 

Last year's PacWest co-champions, Biola and Dominican, visited Chico to take on a nationally ranked program and left as more tallies to the 'Cats record book. Carson Zarate brought the Eagles down with his first goal of his collegiate career. 

Coach Felipe Restrepo's strong recruiting has been on display this season, bringing in players who have already become vital members of the starting eleven. One of those players is transfer Emanuel Padilla, who has stepped into a significant role for the Wildcats. The Santa Rosa native was an all-American in his past two seasons at the JC level and has brought his experience to the program. Padilla, who has only conceded two goals in the past seven games, has made crucial saves to keep his squad in the chase for his first CCAA appearance.

Junior Miles Rice started this season with a handful of goals against Western Washington and Seattle Pacific, continuing to grow his goal total as the weeks tick by. Goals from Noah Ross, Justin Ricketts, and Kristoffer Brown have pushed the Wildcats past tough opponents, averaging 2.57 goals a game.

The midfield has been led by a veteran, Adrian Fontanelli, whose understanding of the game has given the 'Cats confidence and allowed greater freedom from their attackers with his impressive ability to find attacking runs and open space.

Young players have been collecting minutes for Chico, such as Sylas Sells, who scored and assisted against the Penguins. On the backline, Jacob Burnison has filled a crucial spot in the center-back position, holding opponents to only two goals so far this season, with the guidance of Junior Preston Moll, who has shown his versatility in the attack and defense.

This weekend will see two strong conference opponents visiting Chico State to begin the CCAA schedule, Cal State East Bay stepping up first on Friday and Cal State San Marcos making the long trip for a Sunday matchup.