Senior forward Omar Nuno, the ‘Cats leading scorer from last season, propelled Chico State to their 3-2 win over the Seattle Pacific Falcons on Sept. 3.

Nuno performed a hat trick in the game, which he accomplished once last season against Cal State East Bay. Of the three goals that Nuno scored, only the second was assisted on by junior forward Dylan Wakefield.

While Nuno was able to get the ‘Cats ahead early in the game by scoring at the three minute mark, the Falcons were able to catch up and tie the game 1-1 at half time.

Both teams had foul trouble in the first half, with Chico State accumulating eight, and Seattle Pacific earning four. The fouls weren’t able to give either team the advantage, until the second half.

There were two yellow and one red card issued against Chico State in the game. Senior forward Isaiah Dargon earned a yellow and a red card. Dargon was ejected from the game late into the second half, only five minutes after receiving his first yellow card of the season.

The penalty against Dargon resulted from a fight that broke out late in the game. This is the second time a game this season has resultede in a fight, but the first incident involving a red card.

The red card Dargon received forced him off the field, and won’t allow him to participate in the next game on Sept. 8 against Point Loma.

Despite the red card Dargon received, the ‘Cats gained less fouls in the second half of the game. The reduced amount of fouls allowed Chico State to forfeit fewer possessions and gave them more control of the ball in the second half.

Chico State was able to secure their lead in the second half after Nuno scored on a free kick at the 72 minute mark. Nuno is the only player to score a hat trick in the last five seasons for the ‘Cats.

Kenta McAfee can be reached at [email protected], or on Twitter @KentaMcAfee.