CHICO, Calif. — The Chico State women's soccer team defeated CCAA newcomer Menlo 2-0 on Sunday, going 2-0 to start conference play for the first time since the 2022 season.
The Wildcats (3-4-0, 2-0-0 CCAA) scored both goals in the first half and held the Oaks (3-3-1, 0-2-0 CCAA) to four shots, including one on goal.
Makayla Quesada scored the game-winning goal and led the Wildcats with five shots, putting two on goal. It was Quesada's first goal of the season. Baylee Gregerson finished with a goal and an assist, recording two shots on goal. Gregerson has recorded at least one assist in two consecutive games. Ava Jara assisted Quesada's goal on a free kick outside the goal box. It was Jara's first assist of the season. Charlotte Mailer played all 90 minutes in goal, made one save, and finished with a shutout.
The Oaks created early pressure with a corner kick and Aubrey Dollins' shot saved by Charlotte Mailer in the 14th minute, while Chico State also created an early look from Quesada that missed right. Quesada put the Wildcats in front in the 23rd minute, heading in a free kick from the right side of the box with assists credited to Gregerson and Jara. Gregerson added a penalty-kick goal in the 27th minute to extend the lead to 2-0, and the half closed with a physical stretch that included four fouls between the 38th and 44th minutes as the 'Cats carried the two-goal advantage into halftime.
Already ahead 2-0 early in the second half, the Wildcats applied the first pressure of the half, earning corner kicks in the 49th and 56th minutes around a Yulisa Reyes shot before Jara put an attempt on frame in the 60th minute. The Oaks answered with three corners in just over a minute, and Devyn Casteel sent a shot high and right in the 64th minute, but the score stayed unchanged. Chico State continued to create chances through Quesada, Gregerson, and Laila Hadid, with Caroline Cordes making three saves, and the Wildcats finished off the 2-0 win.
After playing the last four contests at home, Chico State will head to Southern California to take on Cal State Dominguez Hills. Kickoff on Friday is at 7 p.m.
