CHICO, Calif. — The Chico State women's soccer team fell to Seattle Pacific University in a narrow 3-2 season-opening defeat on Thursday night at University Soccer Stadium. The match marked the Chico State debut for head coach Halle Meadows.
In addition to it being the home opener, the Wildcats also hosted White Out Night as a kickoff to the first contest of the fall semester.
The Wildcats took an early lead with a goal in the first half but conceded three goals in the second half.
Malia Bell scored once and registered two shots, with one on target. Her goal, which was the season's first for the Wildcats, came from an assist by Addison Morgan, who delivered a precise corner kick to the far side, which Bell expertly headed in. Aiyana Finley added a goal while also contributing two shots, including one on goal. Finley's goal showcased her skill as she dribbled deep into Seattle Pacific's territory, engaging in a one-on-one battle with a defender before left-footing a shot on the left side into the goal.
Laila Hadid was active on the offensive end, recording two shots, both of which were on target. Charlotte Mailer made four saves across the match, facing a total of 16 shots.
The opening half saw the 'Cats apply early pressure on SPU's defense. Chico State capitalized on a corner kick opportunity at 14:50, with Bell scoring the lone goal of the half at 15:24, giving them a 1-0 advantage. Ava Jara and Makayla Cruz-Martinez each had shots that tested the Falcons' goalie, Landry Schoennauer, who managed key saves. Despite attempts from both sides, including a shot by Seattle Pacific's Raeah Raymondo, the score remained unchanged by the end of the first half.
The Wildcats extended their lead early in the second half when Finley scored in the 65th minute, bringing the score to 2-0. The Falcons responded with a goal by Andie Buckley, assisted by Sophie Hanay, in the 75th minute to cut the deficit to 2-1. Shortly after, Ava Suarez, with another assist from Hanay, equalized in the 83rd minute. The decisive moment came in the 87th minute when Logann Dukes, assisted by Grace Coston, secured a 3-2 victory for SPU.
The Wildcats will wrap-up the home-opening week against Dominican on Saturday at 7 p.m. The Penguins opened their season with a 1-0 home-opening win over Northwest Nazarene earlier in the day.
