Despite a valiant effort, the Chico State women’s soccer
team fell to visiting Sonoma State Friday, 2-0.

It was a homecoming of sorts for the Wildcats, who played their first game at University Soccer Stadium in two weeks.

First half action saw the Wildcats struggle with the defensive presence of Sonoma State. The home team was limited to only one shot attempt in the first 45 minutes of regulation.

Key saves by Chico State goalie Brianna Furner at the 17:03 and 27:16 marks helped curtail an early offensive flurry from Sonoma State, who finished the game with an astounding 15 shot attempts to Chico State’s four.

The road team appeared emboldened after intermission, ushering in an up tempo style of offense that proved effective against Chico State’s defensive adjustments.

Sonoma State’s strategy yielded positive results, as midfielder Lauren Curtin scored her team’s first goal of the contest at the 21:15 mark of the second half.

Curtin’s goal was just the jolt Sonoma State needed, as her sister, forward Cara Curtin, rattled home another field goal at the 36:57 mark of the half. With their backs against the wall, Chico State failed to mount a comeback.

October has not been kind to the women’s team. They now boast a 0-4-1 record for the month following an impressive start to their ’13-14 campaign.

The women’s team will try to snag a much needed win against visiting Humboldt State this Sunday at 2pm.

Taylor Maddox can be reached at [email protected]