CHICO – Josh Johnson did the dirty work and Kyle Crain and Evan Armstrong cleaned up after him nicely as the Chico State men’s soccer team beat Academy of Art 2-0 to open the 2009 season and the Chico State Invitational Thursday night at University Soccer Stadium.

Johnson drew fouls on each of the Wildcats’ goals, the first which led to Crain’s converted penalty kick in the 51st minute. Zach Bradford’s well-place ball over the top put the Urban Knights’ defense under duress and led to the speedy Johnson being pulled down deep in the box. Johnson, playing his first regular season match for Chico State after transferring from West Valley Community College, was fouled on a tackle from behind just outside the box to set up the second goal. Crain drilled the ensuing set piece to Armstrong, who headed it off the turf and into the top of the net in the 55th minute.

The Invitational continues Saturday when Chico State hosts St. Martin’s at 7 PM, following Academy of Art’s matchup with CSU Monterey Bay at 4:30 PM. St. Martin’s and CSU Monterey Bay will wrap things up with a match Monday morning at 11 AM. All three will take place at University Soccer Stadium.

Chico State’s defense continued to be almost impenetrable, allowing only two shots, one of which was on goal, after playing two exhibition matches in which it surrendered just four shots on goal.

Chico State finished the match with a 9-1 advantage in corner kicks and a 10-2 advantage in shots.

BOX SCORE