CHICO, Calif. - Following a 2-2 draw against the Broncos on Friday, the Wildcats needed to leave Sunday's match with three points to stay at the top of the conference championship race.

Hosting the Coyotes of CSU San Bernardino (2-2-3 CCAA), Chico State (3-1-3) had a challenge against a team that picked up ties against Cal State LA and CSU Dominguez Hills last match week.

Luckily, the Wildcats set the tone early as Miles Rice put his time up in the 3rd minute with a back post finish after making a lurking run that was impossible for the Coyotes keeper to stop. Bryan Manriquez's corner found the head of Carson Zarate and fell right in the path of the senior striker.

Josh Moll and Carlos Zuniga were a dangerous duo on the right wing through much of the second half, stringing passes together that were spinning defenders in their cleats. 

However, in the 50th minute, an unfortunate foul in the box forced a penalty shot against the Wildcats—the first penalty Chico State has faced this season.

Emanuel Padilla stepped up and made a blind dive to his left post, pushing the ball out of danger and saving the lead. Sunday's saved penalty is Padilla's third save from the spot in his two years with the program.

Chico State's defense claimed their fifth shutout of the season after holding off a desperate Coyotes offense in the second half.

The Wildcats improved to 10-2-3 (4-1-3 CCAA) on the season and now boast the most wins of any CCAA program thus far this season. Sitting in third on the standings, they will need to continue to push forward with three road matches left of the regular season for a chance at a CCAA Tournament berth.

Chico State men's soccer will travel to Hayward to take on Cal State East Bay on Friday, November 1st, to begin the road series.