TURLOCK, California. - Chico State men's soccer rose to the challenge in a must-win game against the Warriors of Stanislaus State. The season finale for the Wildcats would have the implications of what seeding they would fall into as they begin the 2024 CCAA Championships this weekend.

The Wildcats claimed the No.3 seed in the tournament after the 2-0 win, allowing them to host the No.6 seed Cal State East Bay at University Soccer Stadium this Sunday. The match's winner will take on No.2 Seed Cal Poly Pomona at the host institution, CSUEB, in Hayward.

Miles Rice continued his incredible scoring run as he claimed his fourth brace and 13th goal of the season, securing his team their eleventh of the campaign.

The opening goal occurred early into the second half when Rice was scanning the play as it happened in the midfield, pouncing on a bobbled touch from the center-back that saw the dangerous striker streaking toward the goal with the ball at his feet. As he faced down the keeper, the Cameron Park native opened up his right hip, and his right-footed shot was neatly slotted into the right post.

As the clock ticked down, tempers began to flare, and the Warriors side could not break past a solid Wildcats backline, resulting in a hard foul in their defensive box and an award penalty kick. Rice calmly converted from the spot, just like he had done on two past occasions.

Senior goalkeeper Emanuel Padilla played a vital role in the 2-0 shutout of the Warriors, making six enormous saves that propelled his team forward on the attack. In both halves, Padilla was forced to make diving saves on his right post to maintain the sixth clean sheet of his season.

Impressively, the senior faced a desperate Stanislaus side that needed to win to secure a berth to the conference championship. This desperation to grab the advantage was visible in their forceful offense, resulting in 18 shots with six on goal.

Preston Moll had a strong presence in the offense for the 'Cats, taking three shots with one forcing a save from the home team's keeper.

The first round of the 2024 CCAA Championship will be held on Sunday, November 10th, with kickoff at noon. The first 100 students who attend the match will have free admission and must show a current Chico State ID. 

To purchase tickets ahead of Sunday's matchup, follow the link here.