Mike Janjigian watched a lot of soccer from the sidelines last season as a redshirt. Apparently the freshman defender was paying attention to where the right place is at the right time. Janjigian knocked home a deflected header in the 88th minute from the top of the six-yard box to lift the Chico State men’s soccer team to a thrilling 2-1 victory over Western Washington in the season opener for both teams Thursday night at University Soccer Stadium.
Urged by Wildcats Head Coach Felipe Restrepo to move into the box for a corner kick more than likely
because of his strapping 6-foot-3 frame, Janjigian was there to pounce after Western Washington goalkeeper Christian Warman was unable to corral Chris Akwaja’s header at the far post. It bounced twice to Janjigian, who jammed it home.
On a night that featured a starting lineup made up of four freshman and two sophomores playing impressive soccer, Akwaja provided a vital veteran lift. The second leading scorer on last year’s squad and a returning All-California Collegiate Athletic Association performer finished with a goal and an assist.
True freshman Evan Johnston, set up Akwaja’s goal when he took a corner kick and then gathered it back in after it had been knocked back outside before slamming a bending cross hard to the far post where Akwaja waited to head it home in the 55th minute.
Gibson Bardsley got Western Washington on the board with the equalizer in the 62nd minute, finishing Oscar Jimenez’s through ball from close range.
Chico State outshot Western Washington 18-4 and enjoyed a 7-0 advantage in corner kicks.
Both goals followed Johnston’s corner kicks, which Restrepo asked him to start taking early in the contest.
The Wildcats are back in action Monday for another crucial West Region showdown with Seattle Pacific, a team picked to finish at or near the top of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference this season.
BOX SCORE
