Women’s soccer managed to escape another tie in a high scoring affair Sunday afternoon. The team tied their season high of three goals, including a late run made in the final minutes by Erin Woods for a thriller of a finish.
Chico State confidently traveled down south to Cal Poly Pomona hoping to extend their win streak to five games. This was the first match of the season the team gave up more than one goal.
After an unfortunate bounce that ended up in Chico State’s net, the Wildcats gave up a goal early in the second which tied the match at two.
The Wildcats have found their groove offensively after struggling to score in their early matches this year. The team clicked really well as everyone across the field received touches.
Midfielder Juliana Los delivered the first of three goals in the 23rd minute. Shortly after in the 30th minute, Abbie Jones delivered a ball to Sarah Emigh for a header just passed the reach of Cal Poly’s goalie.
“Every member of the team is prepared to contribute and skilled enough to,” Erin Woods said. “Anyone on any day can do it for us.”
The match was far from decided even with the Wildcats leading by two goals. Cal Poly would try and deliver a comeback by entering in Chico’s territory, where a ball was shot 20 yards out of the box.
The ball took an unfortunate bounce off a Chico State defender to break the goal plain. Cal Poly rallied to tie the match early in the second half. Cal Poly’s Samantha Putnam put one in the net from 15 yards out in the 56th minute.
Senior Erin Woods was called upon to come up with the win. Sarah Emigh managed to draw a foul to set up a free kick for Chico. Korie Bozart made a masterful cross for Woods to slide her foot in to end the match in the 85th minute of action.
With this win the Wildcats tied a school record for the longest streak without losing a match.
“We must focus on taking it one game at a time. It’s exciting making history with this team as long as we keep doing what we’re doing,” Jamie Ikeda said. “We must stay focused on what’s going right for us.”
Chico State women’s soccer next game is at home on Oct. 12 against Sonoma State at 7 p.m.
Chico State men’s soccer played in a physical 1-0 loss Sunday evening, ending their four game win streak. The back-line held together for the Wildcats, but a late penalty determined the winner of the match.
After their come from behind win verses Cal State San Bernardino Friday night, Chico met their match Sunday. Cal Poly has only lost one game in CCAA play compared to the Wildcats two.
The game Sunday was a bruising affair for Chico State.
“The ref lost control of the game in the second half,” Ronan McEnroe said. “Some reckless tackles really started coming in.”
The match did not feature much action at all until the final minutes of regulation for the match. The Wildcats turned the ball over which would be costly for them. Defender Joshua Belda would be called on a foul just inside the 18 yard box.
The succeeding penalty did not work in their favor as Cal Poly’s Cyro Olivera buried the goal in the bottom right corner, slipping right underneath the reach of goalkeeper Damion Lewis.
Chico State’s record now sits at 6-3 and 4-2 in CCAA play. The Wildcats will host their next match on Sunday verses University of California, Santa Cruz in a non-conference game.
Wesley Harris can be reached at [email protected] or @Flacko_Flame on Twitter.
