CHICO, Calif. - After dropping their regular season opener in Washington, the Chico State men's soccer team took that first loss personally. The Wildcats have claimed three wins in a row, with the most recent points coming from a five-goal comeback in the second half on Saturday. The 5-1 win over the Saints improves the Wildcats record to 3-1 in non-conference play.

Saint Martin's made the trip to Northern California for a regular season matchup against Chico, and the 'Cats were poised to pounce for their third straight win. However, the game started with the Saints on the board after a slow-starting Wildcats team allowed a breakaway in the 28th minute. There was no lack of chances from the Wildcats in the opening half; the Saint's keeper was making it impossible to bury one in the net.

The best chance in the first half was a free kick delivered by Preston Moll in the 31st minute that was redirected by Carson Zarate, who looked like it would surely score, but SMU's keeper made an outstanding save to push it over the bar.

Coach Restrepo's halftime talk lit a fire under the Wildcats as they would score five unanswered goals in 45 minutes. 

Preston Moll opened up the scoring with a free kick at the top of the 18-yard box with a five Saint's wall looming in front, but Moll found a gap in their armor and snuck it into the net for his second goal in two games. Last year, the Wildcats only scored a single direct free kick all season; they have scored two in four games. 

Bryan Manriquez has been impressive in his senior season with the Wildcats and collected his first goals of his career against the Saint's with a brace within 9 minutes of each other. Vas Syrengelas and Owen Vasta both assisting Manriquez. Syrengelas recorded two assists in the 5-1 win and has been a vital part of the Wildcats success this week.

Thomas Douglas and Justin Ricketts both tap home their first goals of the season to lead the Wildcats to a dominant comeback. 

The Wildcats take on PacWest opponents Menlo at University Soccer Stadium next Saturday. Kickoff is at 7 pm and will be streamed on FloSports!