CHICO — The Chico State men’s soccer team brought its “A” game Friday night, as in Armstrong and Akwaja. Chris Akwaja and Evan Armstrong both scored on headers as the Wildcats defeated visiting Cal State East Bay in a dominant performance in which they outshot the visitors 24-7 in front of 477 fans at University Soccer Stadium. Chico State is now 6-1-1 on the season, and only last year’s team (at 7-1-0) has gotten off to a better eight-match start in terms of winning percentage since 1981. The 2003 and 1985 teams each started 6-1-1.
The Wildcats also improved to 3-0-1 in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play and retained their grip on first place in the North Division. Sixth-ranked Cal State L.A. of the South Division is the only other conference squad with 10 points. The Wildcats host UC San Diego (3-1-3, 0-1-2 CCAA) to wrap up their three-match homestand Sunday at 2 PM. They now boast a record of 11-2-0 at University Soccer Stadium since Restrepo was hired.
Cal State East Bay fell to 1-7-0 overall and 0-3-0 in the CCAA.
The Wildcats opened the scoring in the 41st minute on Akwaja’s second goal in the last two matches. Nick Tedrow set the play in motion with a nice defensive play and quick transition into the offense. He cleared the ball diagonally to the speedy Aren Dawkins, who made some nifty moves to get to the corner of the box before sending a one-hop cross that Akwaja headed home at the far post.
Chico State made it 2-0 in the 74th minute on Armstong’s third goal of the season, all of which have come on headers. Ryan Villalpando’s restart found Armstrong, who redirected into the net with his head.
Cal State East Bay cut the lead in half in the 83rd minute when Aric Johnson’s throw in bounced twice in the heart of the box before Michael Rossi headed it home. That was one of only two balls the Pioneers managed to put on net on the evening, however, as the Chico State defense continued its solid play. The Wildcats have surrendered only five goals in eight matches, and that was the first goal they’ve surrendered at home all season.
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