CHICO, Calif. - The final game of the Chico State men's soccer pre-conference schedule was a home match against the Warriors of Stanislaus State before meeting them next week in Turlock during conference play. Despite the Wildcats only recording three shots on net, they only needed a pair to seal their sixth straight win.

The Wildcats (5-1-0) faced off against a Warriors (4-1-1) side boasting a positive non-conference portion of the season after claiming multiple wins over PacWest and GNAC opponents in the weeks leading up to the challenge in Chico.

Chico State was lethal on the attack despite the Warriors out-shooting them throughout the match. Emanuel Padilla was called into action on five occasions for saves but dispatched them with impressive reflexes and strength to keep the ball out of his net.

Josh Moll did an incredible job chasing down a long ball from Carson Zarate that fell between the sophomore and the Warriors keeper, striking the ball, which deflected off of the keeper's right arm with a trajectory toward the net. Miles Rice was trailing and made sure the ball found the net as he collided with the keeper but confirmed the Wildcats opening tally would reach the scoreboard.

Moll claimed his first assist during the season, and Rice achieved his third goal.

The Warriors responded immediately with their own goal, with an impressive set of passing at the top of the Wildcats 18-yard box.

In the 55th minute, Sylas Sells showcased his footwork on the ball and found a gap to slot the ball into dangerous territory in the Warriors box. At the same time, a crashing Ben Ralph was the first player to the ball, perfectly redirecting the pass into the right corner of the net.

Ralph opened his account with a crucial game-winner for his team and nabbed his first career goal. 

The Wildcats (6-1-0) will open up the CCAA conference season with a nationally ranked matchup against the No.3 Golden Eagles from Cal State Los Angeles (5-0-1) next Friday. Kickoff against the national semi-finalists will be 4:30 pm at University Soccer Stadium.